By the time this column comes out, I will be retired once again. On Friday, I will attend the graduation ceremony for the 2024 class. My first, and only time, teaching seniors. I enjoyed teaching this group of young people for the second time in their learning years. What fine young adults they have become. I had the pleasure of attending their roping program on Saturday. Due to our recent beautiful but overpowering rains, their event had to be moved.
Unfortunately, there were several other roping events that lessened the number of people competing. I’m smiling as I write about the event because they were so competent as they worked the goats. These are good farm and ranch kids. They are comfortable working animals, and their performance showed that comfort. I don’t know if they made enough money between the roping and auction, but I didn’t hear any complaining. Way to go, class of 2024. I’m happy I was able to be a part of your final high school year. Congratulations to your super sponsors, Pam Starr and Sarah Locker. A special thank you to the businesses who donated auction items and the folks who generously bid on those items.
Sunday evening, the First Christian Church was filled with happy parents and grandparents. They were there to attend one of Richland’s unique events, the Baccalaureate ceremony. Few schools nowadays have this ceremony. All three churches get together to honor the graduating seniors and give them a Biblical message for their future. I’ve sat in the choir for over 15 years, but this was the first year I was part of the senior class. This is the first senior class I have taught since 1995. A little part of my heart goes with each of them as they move forward.
This is a busy week at school. The awards will be on Tuesday, we also have kindergarten graduation, eighth grade graduation, Sports Banquet and finally, senior graduation - all of this to be accomplished in three and half days. Please keep your students in school, even if they say they don’t need to go. Contact Mrs. Wyatt or call the school for details.
I was asked about the young people who went to the state competitions. I posted it in a previous issue, but the abridged version is all students placed in the top 10, but none medaled. We are enormously proud of our superstars. We are known for our sports programs, but our academics are strong as well.
There will be announcements regarding the new interim administrator and the new teachers that have been hired for the 24-25 school year. Mrs. Wyatt and the school board will be making official announcements. It should make for an exciting new school year.
The recent beautiful rains have left many gardeners without a garden. There will be new gardens going up to replace those that were destroyed. This past Sunday, the Richland Springs Garden Club gave a seminar on canning. They meet every second week, and everyone is welcome.
We are calling for prayers for Kathy Brockman. She is not doing well, and we are concerned. Thurman Saxon is recovering from his surgery. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind a visit now and then to cheer him up. Danny Phillips is battling cancer and stomach issues. There are several others who need our prayers.
This week, volunteers are putting flags on military graves in preparation for Memorial Day.
I want to remind everyone, if you see a grave that needs attention because of the recent heavy rains, please let Paula Shannon know.
Although many of our seniors are heading to college, some are heading into the work force. Josh Usury has signed up for the Marines and will head to boot camp in July. His brother, Jeremiah, has been accepted into the Air Force. Congratulations and prayers are needed for the parents.
Prayers are needed for our country, for peace, for our open border, and for the men and women trying to protect our border.
Most of all pray for our precious troops and their families. Have a wonderful week, stay cool.