I started a new topic in order to write about ProfStokes' high school graduation because, unlike the well-deserved string of congratulatory messages, this one isn't going to be off-topic. It's my sincere hope that you'll enjoy this story.
It struck me, as I drove to the commencement yesterday, what a tremendous responsibility I was undertaking. Oh, I absolutely consider her a friend and felt honored that she allowed me to be there to share the event and hear her salutatory, but also, considering all the support she's given to DS fandom through its message boards, various round robins (the girl can WRITE!), etc., I realized I was representing all the online friendships she has cultivated-- the rest of you who could only be there in spirit. I happened to bring this up to ProfStokes' parents and they agreed heartily, but then they mentioned something that I didn't understand (???) at the time-- they said I would probably be the only audience member that would completely understand her speech. Hmmm.
It wasn't surprising that her name is listed all over the program as an honor student, or that she placed second in a class of over 500 students. It also wasn't surprising to see her seem both commanding and at ease when she took her place at the podium and introduced herself by saying "My name is..." to a crowd that sat in rapt attention. But immediately afterwards she began to speak of the journey that was beginning-- a journey that (c'mon, say it with me) would link her past with her future. My jaw must've been on the floor at that point, but wait... it gets even better.
There were many, many lines from the series, such as one about the people that would soon fill the days and nights of her tomorrows, and naturally there was a reference to the Phoenix that rises from the ashes. By the time she thanked her parents, family, teachers, AND HER COUSINS FROM ENGLAND, I swear I was laughing and crying at the same time. The more I think about it, the MORE I wish you all could've been there, and I recommend you request she send you the text if you haven't already done so because just listing the DS references here wouldn't do her speech justice. It's no accident that these lines are classic and the most memorable on the show: They're fabulous (but if you're Dan Curtis, she was only PARAPHRASING, I swear! ;)), and ProfStokes seamlessly weaved them into a story about the journey ahead for her class of 2002-- the uncertainties they would face and the important role the past plays in their lives, and these are, of course, the same themes that are discussed here daily. Yet I'm sure that no one else, save for her family and myself, knew she was paying tribute to the phenomenon that brought her together with all of us; to the rest of the people that were stock still as she spoke (including the mayor of Los Angeles, woohoo!), ProfStokes was delivering a poignant and poetic speech that reflected her intelligence, optimism, classiness, inner beauty, articulate manner, and a wisdom beyond her years that we've seen her demonstrate time and time again.
Congratulations, ProfStokes!
(I'm including a few photos though my scanner made them fuzzy; sorry about that.)
(http://www.dsboards.com/images/grad1.jpg)
ProfStokes at the podium. To her immediate left is Mayor Kenneth Hahn
An unplanned visitor at the ceremony.
(http://www.dsboards.com/images/grad2.jpg)
(http://www.dsboards.com/images/grad3.jpg)
Shortly after this last photo, Spidey learned that you've got to put at least as much planning into your exit as you do your entrance. :)
Midnite, what a wonderful post. And to the Prof -- again congratulations!
Hey Midnite, if I go back to school and learn to be smart, will you come to my gradumacation?
[shadow=red,left,300]--Mark[/shadow]