Chapter 29

Graduation

June – Age 18

Graduation day had finally come. All of their friends – including Puck and Brittany – graduated. They both passed their passed their AP tests, getting 4's and 5's on them. Finn and Santana went out to celebrate with Kurt and Dave. Carol and Burt got grandparent time. They all went to Breadstix to celebrate and met up with everyone who had finished testing. The foursome stayed together until late, giving them the sleepover excuse. Burt never said anything to either boy when Dave and Santana slept over. Everyone pretty much knew what was going on. As long as everyone was being responsible, it wasn't going to be a big deal.

Carol was bawling her eyes out at the actual graduation ceremony. Burt had tears in his eyes as well. Artie was the class Valedictorian. He got to make a speech about going on and overcoming adversity, standard shtick. The Salutatorian was actually Dave. He got up and went over to the podium to make his speech.

"Hey everyone," he began. "I know I'm scheduled to make a speech. But I'm not actually going to give one. I'm actually going to present an award. This award was unanimously awarded to the one person in the senior class who has improved the most since their freshman year here at McKinnley. They have asked me to present this award to..." Rachel Berry began to rise from her seat with her 'gracious' smile when her bubble was burst. "Finn Hudson!" Rachel abruptly sat down and had a shocked look on her face. Finn looked equally surprised. He couldn't believe that the whole faculty had collectively decided that it would be him. "Come on up bro."

Finn got up and walked over to the podium. Dave gave him a hug and put the medal around his neck. "Thanks man."

"Don't thank me just yet," Dave chuckled. "You have to make a speech now."

"Only a speech?" Finn joked. "Hey everyone. I'm very humbled by this award. I guess you can say I've changed a bit over the years. I've grown about a foot, put on about 60 pounds, and had a daughter – yeah, just a little change. I know that I owe the majority of my change to my daughter, Charlotte. Once I found out that I was going to be responsible for another life besides mine, I know that I had a completely new motivation in my life. I needed to grow up. I'd like to think that I've accomplished that. I know my mom seems to think so. But receiving this award just reinforces that I've made the right decisions. I wouldn't have made it this far without my wonderful friends and family. But I also wouldn't have made it without my teachers, especially Mr. Schue, Coach Beiste, Coach Sylvester, and Ms. Pillsberry. You guys have helped advise me on this path and I will be forever grateful. Thank you all so much." With that final sentiment, Finn made his way back to his seat to join his classmates. There was a deafening applause for his accomplishments.

Carol was openly crying at this point. Her boy was graduating and was being recognized for his accomplishments, by both his teachers as well as his peers. They began giving out diplomas in alphabetical order. Carol cheered and applauded as each of Finn's and Kurt's friends got their diplomas: Artie Abrams, Mike Chang, Tina Cohen-Chang, Finn Hudson, Kurt Hummel, Mercedes Jones, Dave Karofsky, Santana Lopez, Brittany Pierce, Noah Puckerman, Matt Rutherford, and Lauren Zizes. There was less applause from their section for Rachel Berry and Quinn Fabray as they walked across the stage.