The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Is it the Final Chapter at Southern?

by Dessa Rodeffer
Quill Editor/Publisher

24 May 2000

At least for myself, it is the final chapter of graduations in the Southern School District.

Since my first daughter was enrolled in Kindergarten at Stronghurst Elementary in 1969 until my youngest son graduated Sunday, I have had a child attend Southern around thirty years, except for the three years we lived near Dixon (69-72).

My children have been taught well at Southern, and I think many times we take that for granted.

The overflow crowds at graduation is a sign that a lot of people are backing our kids, and I just hope they realize how many people are concerned about their future.

When we are young, we seem to feel the grass is greener in other places, and we pick at our small-town upbringing. We tell our parents there is just not enough to do here and we want more action.

I know it took me a 3 year move to find out that Stronghurst is an exceptionally clean small town with a lot of caring people, a lot of volunteers, a lot of churches that still have Sunday School, and people that are as close as family.

My daughter wanted to go as far away as possible to college. Now she can't imagine living away. She found the hometown school, the community, and family close by brings a comfort that greener grass, a larger paycheck, a bigger house, or seashore living can never bring.

Even my oldest son, after enjoying so much fun with family and friends, said he didn't want to go home, but would like to stay or move back if he could.

The Southern faculty has been a great support through the years. Sometimes it meant a nose on the blackboard, a detention, laps run for one thing or the other, but thank goodness they care enough to push our kids on to become good citizens.

As I look back, I am astonished I have watched my children attend Southern for over thirty years. I guess time flies when you are having fun.

It's been fun with musicals, plays, ballgames, variety shows and meals, and fun supporting the different activities at school.

An example of how great the faculty is, another reminder came on graduation night.

Mr. Geiser took photos for The Quill, so I wouldn't have too. Mr. Buss allowed me to make a quick phone call home, from the secretary's office.

I stopped Terri Copeland, Southern High English teacher, to ask for a paper to take notes on and she insisted on doing it telling me to enjoy graduation with my son, and she would take notes for an article for The Quill.

I thanked her and was seated.

I would have been fine, except I had nothing to keep myself busy, and then the processional of Pomp and Circumstance began.

I searched for the side my son would be coming in on, and quickly spotted him looking at our two rows of family. For the first time, the tears began.

Here comes classmates who have grown, all too fast, each looking very beautiful or handsome and ready to move on to the next level of their lives.

The guest speakers good advice was to let God be their guide, get on their knees and pray, give above and beyond what is asked, thank those who have supported you, always honor and salute the flag of this great nation.

As the many awards were announced and handed out to the deserving students who have excelled here at Southern, I see the future of our community will be in good hands.

Many of the graduates will be attending nearby colleges in Burlington, Iowa, Monmouth, or Galesburg.

Sitting at graduation, however, I see my son among his classmates, many I know well, and I miss him and them already.

Later at home, the cameras came out, and all the children took many pictures of family and the graduate. Everyone was laughing, the grandchildren wanted to stand with Uncle Matt for a photo, and all the guys wanted a photo by themselves. There was the comical ones where they tried to pick him up lengthwise and were laughing at how heavy he is gotten over the past couple years.

In Stronghurst, I ask myself, how will I keep connected with the school and all that goes on here, as my last child moves on to college?

As the final chapter ends for my children, another chapter begins with my grandchildren. The circle is not broken yet. And I'm glad it's not.