NOTE: Well, with my high school graduation tomorrow afternoon, I figured it was time to reward myself. I haven't had the time to write as much as I wanted to these past few weeks, but with the year ending, I figure it's time to let myself do something fun. The newest chapter of Defender of the People is almost done- I only need to finish one more scene. Anyway, here's the latest in the 100 prompt challenge~

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Aaron turned the page again. Here was a picture of Sandra, in a dark blue cap and gown, standing at a podium. It was a low angle shot, looking up at her from the audience. There was a weak breeze; her tassel blew slightly to the right.

Sandra smiled. "This was my high school graduation."

"You were Valedictorian?" asked Aaron.

Sandra nodded. "And you are too. So was your father."

"No, I was Salutatorian," said Nicholas. "Remember?"

"Oh yeah! That's right," said Sandra.

*flashback*

Pomp and Circumstance was playing. She walked to the front, to stand at the podium to give her speech. The wind blew at her tassel on her cap. Sandra pulled the tassel back into place and waited for the rest of her classmates to get to their seats. Their class president, Alicia Holcomb gave a quick introductory speech.

"Hello and welcome to the Commencement ceremony of the Cardozo Senior High School, class of 1992!" Alicia paused as graduates and family applauded. "Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance!" After the pledge had been recited, she continued, "I have the pleasure of introducing my best friend, Audrey Shultz, who will be leading us in the national anthem."

Alicia moved aside as Audrey stepped up to the mic and sang. After the anthem, she spoke in her melodious voice. "Please, be seated." Everyone listened to her. "And now, may I introduce your class Valedictorian, Sandra Shea Abner!" The crowd cheered. Sandra stood up and walked to the podium. She waited for the cheers to die down.

"Friends, family; welcome." She paused with a smile. The breeze ruffled her tassel again. "As our time in high school finally draws to a close, we take our next steps into the world. It's not an illusion. We really are graduating. Pinch yourselves. I know I have." She invited a laugh and she got one.

"We have so much to be thankful for. Where to start? Personally, I'm grateful to my family. Without my parents and brothers, I don't think I would have made it this far. They provided the support that I needed to persevere and end with a bang. Thanks, Mom and Dad. You too Nick and Bill. I love you all!

"Fellow graduates, I want you to know that it was a great gift, attending this school. At Cardozo, we have so many fine instructors and administrators. It is because of them that we are prepared to move on and to take on whatever challenges come next in our lives.

"Finally, we have to be thankful for each other. The bonds of friendship made over these four years will last a lifetime. As we have been in the past, I hope that we will be there for each other in the future, and support each other in all future endeavors.

"Now what, or more properly speaking, who can we be inspired by?" Sandra paused. "Look around you. For me, I'm inspired by Spencer Durbin. Even after all the hardships he's gone through, he persisted, and through sheer determination, overcame all the difficulties and I'm proud to be graduating along with him today. But that's not the only reason why. Spencer, you have been tenacious and have had such a great friend. Not only to me. Everyone you met, you touched them with your warm heart; you cheered them up on even the blackest of days. I was no exception. When my dad was diagnosed with cancer late last year, you were always by my side, comforting me, and telling me that it was going to be alright. Because of you, I was able to overcome my fears and believe that my dad would make it through. And he did! He's here today." Sandra paused again, overcome by tears. She wiped her nose.

"I'm also inspired by Jordan Schell and Calvin Riddle who are leaving to go into the military later this week. Jordan and Calvin, I applaud and honor you for making the choice to serve our country. I feel, as I'm sure everyone else here does, very proud to know you. Stay safe." Sandra wiped her eyes again.

"Often on graduation day, we look to the outside for heroes, but I see them here among us today. In my years at Cardozo, I've noticed that we don't have to look far for inspiration and that we each have the potential to make an inspiring contribution to others by being true to our values and committing ourselves to lofty goals.

"When you leave here today, celebrate what you have accomplished but look forward with an eye toward how you too can be the inspiration for others.

"Congratulations Class of 1992! We did it!"

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NOTE: Wow, I made myself cry there. Good job, me. *pats self on back*