The excitement of high school stands quietly now

All alumni remember, having taken their final bow

Somewhere in the background, singing from above

British vocalist Lulu sings again, “To Sir With Love”

 

As youth, daydreaming of playing for the Golden Bears

To proudly wear the gold and white with spirit and flair

Gridiron warriors bare their souls and accomplish more

A championship berth misses by a single game’s score

 

Determined grapplers take down each and every contender

These wrestlers secure gold, no longer seen as pretenders

Teamwork and tenacity deliver wins on the hardwood

Basketball championship arrives, because they could

 

Daily routines pack every academic day

Lunchtime jukebox in the cafeteria plays

The staff educates with authority and motivation

Always with immense pride and lasting dedication

 

Like a human compass, Mr. Fox draws a perfect shape

Dressed as a cowboy, Mr. Ensign imparts history’s fate

As dependable as a clock, Mrs. Brush teaches math each day

With surprising humor, Mr. Welchlin makes geology fun to play

 

Days filled with books, manual typewriters, and slide rules

Never imagining computers that today’s students find cool

Ah, the memories still live for so many after these years

Careers, families, and challenges drive us without fear

 

The years advance as more gray hair arrives

However, keen minds remain strong and alive

Never forgetting, these high school years stand tall

Filling hearts and minds, memories continue for all

 

These memories give you a glimpse into my final high school year at Billings West High School.  Yes, it was way back in 1974, now 45 years ago this month.  God has blessed me to remember these events and happenings from long ago.

A year ago at this time, I was leaving the classroom again.  After 40 years as a classroom teacher, activities director, and coach, I was passing on the torch to other colleagues to continue on.  Enjoy a previously published poem that many of you probably missed in Teacher’s Final Day.