A Letter To My Longtime Friends XXIII: The Twentieth Year Milestone

 Dear CGHS Class of 2006 Tribe,

This is your friend and brother Vic coming to you once again with a new blog. I am extremely content to celebrate this milestone with you all, for it has been officially 20 years since we graduated from high school on May 27, 2006. This date and event will forever be an unforgettable moment in our lifetime! As we do this yearly fellowship on this very moment, let us pause and take a moment in the comfort of our own homes to reflect on how we were gathered together for one last time at that special moment. Go ahead and grab yourself a snack and a drink as we walk down Memory Lane. Without further ado, let’s begin, shall we?

On May 27, 2006, we arose from our sleep, groomed ourselves, we grubbed on some breakfast, and we proceeded to our graduation ceremony. The ceremony took place at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The late Bishop Eddie L. Long was nice and generous to allow us to use his church building for our ceremony; even on the previous day, he was present when we were rehearsing for it. As we were exiting our cars with our caps and gowns on, we approached the church building, and upon our arrival, I had a huge smile on my face, for I was extremely excited! A couple of you guys came to be to talk about my speech in the “Wills and Testaments” section in our 2005-2006 yearbook, for I said the “…haters of jealousy” line! Haha! Upon our entrance into the church building, we first assembled into this room which assembles a jumbo classroom. Inside, we received our stoles to wear: it said “CLASS OF 2006” on the left side, and “CGHS” on the right. Since we were extremely overjoyed, we were granted permission to “get it out of our systems”; so we got our cheer on! On the other side of the room, there was a back exit door which we lined up. Outside, there was a pathway to another side of the church building. Upon our entry into that door to the main lobby, we lined up in two straight rows. My mom was extremely excited for us. She even took a picture with my brother and I in the rows. 

We gradually made to the doubled doors for the main sanctuary. As we were walking with each other down the aisle, the piece “Pomp and Circumstance” was playing. We eventually made it to the choir stage, and we all sat down on cue. One of our classmate led us and the entire congregation to say the pledge of allegiance to our nation’s flag. Principal Davis delivered an inspirational and powerful commencement speech. We sung our high school Alma Mater song “Saints Forever”, and an inspirational Gospel song “I Am Here” by Gospel artist Donald Lawrence. We then received our diploma covers as we were called by name individually in alphabetical order. Next, we did a celebration by tossing our caps in the air: this is known as the “cap toss”. We caught our caps back! Lastly, the recessional of the graduation ceremony took effect, for we walked with each out to the lobby and then we exited the church building.

Finally, we gave each other divers greetings for one last time: Pictures were taken with each over, we exchanged autographs with our signatures, warm smiles were received and given, hugs and kisses were given and received, hands were extended for handshakes, and fists were also extended for fist bumps (DAPS). Wow, I can’t believe it has been 20 years since we fellowshipped together for a celebration on that great day. I don’t know about y’all, but that was the proudest moment of my life! Even though we parted ways afterwards, I still kept you guys in my heart, for that’s where y’all belong!

A heartfelt thank you to all of you who took a wee bit of your time to read this annual yearly piece which I had to get off my chest and share with the you brethren. I will always make mention of you all in my prayers. As usual, stay on top of your game everyday. Don’t back down for anyone! Peace, Tranquility, Serenity, Grace, Mercy, Love, Joy, and Many Blessings Be Multiplied Unto You All.

In the Spirit of Agape and Grateful for Our Enduring Bond,

Victor Kendrick II aka Bro. Vick

P.S. You’re probably wondering what I have going on; I’m still focusing on school to pass this last course to finally set foot into college. When I do, I’m going to do big things. I’ve always mentioned in detail about what I’m planning to do in my previous letter. I’m still working on my project, for I have a few more steps to do. I’ll keep y’all posted and updated. Anyway, I hope and pray that we will continue this friendship and fellowship, whether in person or in spirit. May God continue to bless you, keep you, give you peace as well as understanding, and guide you along your way. I’m the name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Numbers 6:24-26 - “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”

1 Peter 3:8-9 - “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, bepitiful, becourteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

1 John 4:11-13 - “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.”

A Letter To My Longtime Friends XXII: Nineteen Years Strong

Dear CGHS Class of 2006 Brethren, 

This is your friend and brother Vic coming to you with another letter in celebration of 19th Anniversary of our high school graduation which took place on May 27, 2006 at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The late Bishop Eddie L. Long was nice and generous to allow us to use his church building for our graduation ceremony. It may have been nineteen years ago, but I will commemorate this special event forever. I would like for us to join heart to heart in spirit to commemorate and to celebrate this special day in the comfort in our own homes and/or wherever we may be. Go ahead and grab a snack and something to drink as we begin this yearly class fellowship. Without further ado, let us kick off and begin this commemoration as we walk down Memory Lane, shall we?

On May 27, 2006, we rose from our sleep, we did our morning rituals, we dressed ourselves in church context in conjunction with our caps and gowns, and we traveled all the way to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. As we approach the church building, we first went inside this room which resembles a large classroom. Inside, we assembled together to receive our stoles to place on our necks to hang on our chests. Due to the fact that we were extremely excited and overjoyed, we were told to “get it out of our systems;” so we made joyful noises! Shortly, we were lined up at the back door in the back of the room which leads to the interior outdoor center of the church building. We followed the pathway which leads to another door to enter into the building. We lined up again in the lengthily front lobby as we gradually move toward the doubled doors of the sanctuary. My mom (may God rest her beautiful soul) was very happy for us, so she took a few pictures with us with my brother and myself. We eventually made it to the sanctuary, and walked with each other through the aisle to the choir stand as the piece “Pomp and Circumstance” was playing, and we took our seats at once on cue. Our classmate led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our nation’s flag. Our high school principal delivered a powerful commencement speech. Were sung our high school Alma Mater anthem “Saints Forever”, and an uplifting & inspiring song “I Am Here” originally performed by Gospel artist Donald Lawrence. We received our diploma covers as we were called in alphabetical order by name as we took solo pictures with our principal shaking hands. Later, we briefly did a normal celebration known as the “cap toss”. I caught my cap back thankfully. Lastly, the conclusion of our ceremony took effect; we went into recess by walking with each other to the lobby and excited the church building.

Finally, we greeted each other for one last time: We took pictures with each other, autographs were exchanged, hugs and kisses were given, warm smiles were received and given, hands were extended for handshakes, fists were also entered for fist bumps (daps). I don’t know about you guys, but it was the proudest moment of my life! I will continue to keep May 27, 2006 burned and tattooed in my heart: that means I will observe the moment forever. After it was all said and done, we parted ways. Even though we posted ways, we were still bonded together in the spirit of friendship and fellowship in our hearts.

Brothers and sisters, I would again like to thank you once again for listening to what I had to get off my chest in this annual article. Once again, you guys are in my thoughts and prayers, no matter what. As usual, stay on top of your game everyday. Don’t back down for anyone! Peace, Tranquility, Serenity, Grace, Mercy, Love, Joy, and Many Blessings Be Multiplied Unto You All. 

With Brotherly Agape Love and Gratitude,

Victor Kendrick II (Bro. Vick)

P.S. Just in case if you guys wondering, I am doing everything I can to make it to the next spot. I am still focusing on school trying to ace these last two courses so I can set foot into college, and my anticipated project (my memoir) is still in the works! Another thing, I still have my certificate award from Eta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. I still treasure that award and when I go to college, I will bring that to fruition. I’m also still doing other work. Anyway, let’s continue to keep each other in our thoughts and prayers, and let God’s Holy Spirit guide the days or our lives, and let’s also continue to love one another. 

John 13:34 - “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

1 John 3:18 - “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

1 John 4:11 - “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”

A Letter To My Longtime Friends XXI: Eighteen Years of Nostalgia

 Dear CGHS Class of 2006 Brethren, 

This is your friend and brother Victor once again coming to you with an annual yearly reminder of our high school graduation which took place eighteen years ago at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The late Bishop Eddie L. Long was a nice guy, he even granted us permission to use his church building for our graduation ceremony. I don’t know about you guys, but this day is special to me. For the times we have spent together in high school and even until we walked together for the final time back then, the end of our journeys did not stop there, and I guarantee you, it’s not stopping today; it is not over until God makes a calling. Of course, I will get to that in a little bit. Until then, please have a moment of a silent reflection and fellowship with me as we come together in the comfort of our own homes and hearts to reminisce on what was said and done… 

On May 27, 2006, we were gathered together for one last time. I was excited and happy! My brother and I arrived to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church with our family, for we were graduating together in the same class at the same time! We got out of the car to approach the church, and some of you guys approached me because of the term “haters of jealousy”which I’ve mentioned in the “Wills and Testaments” in our 2005-2006 high school yearbook. 
Upon our entrance, we went into this giant room which resembles a huge classroom and a small congregation. We received our stoles to put around the back of our necks. And due to the fact that we were exceedingly excited, we were told to “get it out of our systems, so we made joyful noises. We then lined up at the backdoor of the room outdoors, which was a pathway to another door which leads back indoors and into the hallway where we all lined up therein. We lined up in two straight lines. My mom (may God rest her beautiful soul) was also excited for us, so she took a picture with me and my brother. We eventually moved up gradually to the doubled doors which leads to the main sanctuary.
Once the common graduation piece “Pomp and Circumstance Marches” started to play, we began to march with each other in two straight lines down the middle congregation aisle straight to the choir stand. We sat down on cue! One of our classmates led the Pledge of Allegiance to our nation’s flag, our principal delivered his uplifting speech, we sung our high school Alma Mater “Saints Forever” which was directed under the leadership pf our high school music director, we also sung an uplifting and inspirational Gospel song “I Am Here” performed and arranged by Gospel artist Donald Lawrence. We received our diploma covers and took solo pictures with our principal accompanied with a handshake. Minutes later, we did a little celebration by tossing our caps in the air (I caught mine back)! When the ceremony was over, we did a recessional by walking together up the congregation aisle upon our exit of the church. 

Afterwards, we greeted each other for one last time. Pictures were taken with each other, autographs were exchanged, hugs, kisses, and warm smiles were given, hands were extended for handshakes, and fist bumps (daps) we done. It was the proudest day of my life! May 27, 2006 will always be the date which I will remember for the rest of my life. After it was all said and done, we parted ways. Even though we parted ways, the fellowship still went strong in my spirit!
Brothers and sisters, I would like to thank you once again for listening to what I had to get off my chest in this annual article. Once again, you guys are in my thoughts and prayers, no matter what. As usual, stay on top of your game everyday. Don’t back down for anyone! Peace, Tranquility, Serenity, Grace, Mercy, Love, Joy, and Many Blessings Be Multiplied Unto You All. 

Best Regards With Gratefulness
Victor Kendrick II (Bro. Vick) 

 

P.S. Please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers. This year of 2024 has been like a rollercoaster to me. Back in March of this year, I lost my father and my second cousin. You read it right, they died. I have no more parents, but I still have faith in God. I’m taking it well because I know that God will bring me through anything. Also, I am still focusing on school so I can set foot into college. A few days before our graduation, I received an award from Eta Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity congratulating me with an encouragement for me to continue with my education. I am working on that. When I go to college soon, I am going to make an effort to try and become a brother in the fraternity. I am also making efforts to become a Park Ranger. Once again like last year, let us continue to let peace and love rule in our hearts. Also, let’s keep it up with Brotherly Love. 

 

2 CORINTHIANS 13:11 – “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” 

1 John 4:16 – “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwellwth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 

2 John 1:3 – “Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.” 

A Letter To My Longtime Friends XX: Our Memorable Milestone

 -A Letter To My Longtime Friends XX: Our Memorable Milestone

-A Letter To My Longtime Friends XX: Our Memorable Milestone-

 

Dear CGHS Class of 2006 Brethren,

Greetings and Salutations, this is your friend and brother Victor coming to you again with an annual and friendly letter in regards to our high school graduation which took place on May 27, 2006 at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church seventeen years ago. The late Bishop Eddie L. Long was a philanthropic and nice guy because he granted us permission to use his church building for our graduation ceremony. On the day before, we were there for a rehearsal. We were first in a room which resembles a large classroom. We then proceed to the sanctuary to practice our walk, which we marched to the choir stand. The rehearsal didn’t take long, so we all left when it was over. We were gathered together for to walk with each other, so here is how it all went down…

On that Saturday morning on May 27, 2006, my brother and I woke up from our sleep, got dressed, grabbed our caps and gowns and put them on, and off we went! We arrived to the church while I was in a happy mood. We approached the church building, we went inside of this big room (as I mentioned earlier) where we received our stoles to hang on our necks: the left side of the stole said “CGHS”, and the right side thereof said “I’m going to let you get it out of your systems”; and sure enough, we made joyful noises with a good cheer! One moment later, we lined up at the backdoor where there is a pathway outside which leads to another door in the same church building. We went inside and we lined up in two straight lines in this hallway. My mom (may Jesus Christ rest her beautiful soul) was taking pictures. She was so happy for us, so she posed one with my brother and I. We eventually made it to the door of the sanctuary. When the marching musical piece “Pomp and Circumstance” begin to play, we begin to walk with each other down the aisle in a straight row all the way to the choir stand; when the piece finished playing, we all sat down on cue. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, our principal made his speech, the valedictorian made the speech, we sung our Alma Mater anthem, and we sung an inspirational song “I Am Here” arranged and written by Gospel artist Donald Lawrence. Our principal called us up to receive our diploma covers individually in alphabetical order of surnames and to take a picture with him with a handshake. One moment later, we tossed our graduation caps in the air as a celebration: face it, we’ve been through so much when we were in school, so there was no reason for us to hold back. Anyway, when it was over and the recessional was taking place, we walked with each other up the aisle to evacuate the church heading outdoors.

Outside, we greeted each other for one last time. The happiness went non-stop. Autographs were exchanged, hands were extended for handshakes, pictures were taken, hugs were given to each other, fist bumps (daps) were given to each to each other, and warm smiles were given. I tell you the truth, that day was the proudest day of my life which I’ve burned it in my heart for a time to remember. When we parted ways, I felt the sensation of peace upon me.

Brothers and sisters, I want to thank each and every one of you for your time to listen to what I had say in this annual letter. I do this for a specific reason. I always keep you all in my thoughts and prayers, no matter what. As usual, stay on top of your game everyday. Don’t back down for anyone! Peace, Tranquility, Serenity, Grace, Mercy, and Many Blessings Be Multiplied Unto You All.

 

Kindest Regards With Gratitude, 
Victor Kendrick II (Bro. Vick)

 

P.S. Let us all continue to fellowship with each other, no matter where we may be. Also, please remember our late longtime friend, brother, and fellow saint Tim (Tildon) White, for he recently passed away not too long ago, so let us keep his family and friends in our prayers in the time of need and bereavement. One more thing, continue to let peace and love rule in our hearts.

 

1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18 – “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

A Letter To My Longtime Friends XVIII: Our Annual Red-Letter Day

-A Letter To My Longtime Friends XVIII: Our Annual Red-Letter Day-

 

Dear 2006 Class Brethren,

This is your friend and brother Vic. I am once again writing to you all because I want us all to do a heart-to-heart annual fellowship in remembrance of our high school graduation ceremony which happened 16 years ago. Having said that, we take some time out and reflect on what we did and what happened back then while joining each other in heart, mind, and spirit in the comfort of our own homes or anywhere we may be. So I’m not going to tarry you long, for all I need is just a few minutes of your busy time to take you for a ride through the Golden Age of our Special Past. Fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the sensation of nostalgia…

 

On May 27, 2006, we rose from our beds to prepare ourselves for the ceremony; we dressed like we were going to a formal church service, which it actually was, for it took place at a church: We arrived at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The late Bishop Eddie L. Long was nice, kind, and generous to grant us permission to use his church building for our graduation ceremony, for we even practiced and rehearsed the day before. Anyway, we arrived at the church with our caps and gowns on, we entered into the church, and then we went into this place which resembles a large classroom and a small congregation. We were so happy and overjoyed because we were gathered together to walk with each other, and due to the fact that we were so happy and overjoyed, we made joyful and cheerful noises: for one of our conductors said, “I’m going to let to get it out of your systems.” One moment later, we received our stoles to put around our necks which says “CGHS” on the left end, and “CLASS OF 2006” on the right. Later, we lined up at the other door to the right which leads to the outdoor path to the door on another side of the church building where we lined up at. When we entered the doorway, we lined up in the hallway to be in preparation of walking with each other. Surprisingly, my mom took a few pictures of us, and one with us: she was extremely happy while carrying a smile on her face. When the piece “Pomp and Circumstance” was playing, we marched together into the sanctuary to the choir stand, and took a seat on cue as directed. One of our classmates did the Pledge to the United States Flag as we were led. Our high school principal was present with a special robe for our graduation; Valedictions of farewell were made; we sung our Alma Mater song “Saints Forever”; we sung our graduation selection “I Am Here” an inspirational Gospel song arranged by Donald Lawrence; and we lined up in alphabetical order of surnames to receive our diploma cases.  We even tossed our caps in the air as a time for a celebration. When the graduation ceremony was over, we walked together evacuating the sanctuary and the building. And outside, we greeted each other for one last time: pictures were taken, right hands were extended for handshakes, fists were extended for fist bumps (daps), hugs were given, and autographs were exchanged. I tell you, there was a heap of love that day, and that was the happiest and proudest day of my life! Our hearts were filled with laughter and joy! After all of this, we parted ways and went in peace, but the road of life didn’t end there…

 

Brothers and Sisters, I want to thank each and every one of you for taking your time to read this letter. You guys have a very special place in my heart forever. As usual, stay on top of your game everyday. Don’t back down for anyone! I wish you all Peace, Tranquility, Serenity, and Many Blessings Be Multiplied Unto You All.

 

Yours in Christ Jesus, Our Chief Friend,

Victor Kendrick II (Bro. Vick)

 

P.S. Don’t forget about our late longtime friends who passed on, for they are also forever in our hearts. One day if the Lord will, we will reunite one day. May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to keep us all in Perfect Peace! As always, I will continue to keep us all lifted in my prayers as a sacrifice to God our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ, and in communion of the Holy Ghost. Peace and More Love to you Forevermore!!! 

Romans 12:10-13 - Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

A Letter To My Longtime Friends XVII: Graduation Milestone

 A Letter To My Longtime Friends XVII: Graduation Milestone

Dear CGHS Class of 2006 Brethren,

This is your friend and brother Victor coming to you with an annual and yearly letter. The reason why I am writing to you all is because I am celebrating our fifteenth anniversary of our high school graduation which happened on May 27, 2006. I would like for each and everyone of us to get together to celebrate this special milestone: I am not asking you to waste your gas, money, and energy to go to some place, but rather, let us celebrate it on one accord and commune together with each other in the comfort of our own homes. Having said this and without further ado, let’s go for a ride for a goodly dose of nostalgia. Shall we?

On May 27, 2006, we were gathered together for one last time. Our high school graduation took place at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. The late Bishop Eddie Lee Long was a generous guy, for he graciously opened his church and granted us permission to use for our graduation ceremony. 

That very morning on that same day, we got out of our vehicles in our caps and gowns, and walked straight to the church building, I was so overjoyed! First, we went into this room which resembles a huge classroom. Due to the fact that we were overjoyed, Mrs. Adams-Gibson said, “I’mma let up get it out of your systems,” so we made joyful noises. Also there, we received our stoles to wear which CGHS printed on the left, and CLASS OF 2006 printed on the right on the stole. 

After a brief moment in the room, we lined up to the door on the other side of the room which leads outdoors, and we walked on the cement pathway to another door which leads to another side of the same building. We lined up once again. We were beyond happy. My mom was happy too. She was taking pictures of us: she ended up taking one picture with my brother and I, for we were graduating together. We eventually moved up to the door slowly and gradually....

Once we made it to the side by side doors which leads to the sanctuary. As we were walking in two straight lines, the classic graduation piece “Pomp and Circumstance” was playing. We made it to the choir stand, and were seated on cue, just liked we rehearsed the day before. The pledge of allegiance to the American flag was recited, and our principal gave a speech. Next, we sing our Alma Mater “Saints Forever” as conducted by our music teacher, and we sing a Gospel selection “I Am Here” arranged by Gospel singer Donald Lawrence. Next, each of us were called in alphabetical order by name to receive a diploma case and to take a picture with our principal with a handshake. After that, we had a moment. We tossed our caps in the air for a moment, for we were truly being happy, as I said before.

Lastly, we lined up in two straight lines and  walked with each other and evacuated the church building, and outside, we did our final greetings with each other; hands were extended handshakes were done, fist bumps (daps) were given, hugs were given, laughter was done, pictures were taken, and warm smiles were given. After our exodus, peace started rule over me. I tell you, it was truly a blessing for me. God has been with us throughout our school days. I don’t know about you guys, but it was the proudest day of my life! As long as we live, I will continue to keep this special occasion marked forever, for you guys have a very special place in my heart. Every chance I get, I mention you all in my thoughts and prayers as a sacrifice to our Eternal God in Heaven.

I truly want to thank you all for taking time to read this letter. I love you guys unconditionally. As usual, don't back down for anyone. Stay on top of your game everyday. I wish you Peace, Serenity, Tranquility, and Many Blessings. Stay Safe! Take care of yourselves.

In the Spirit of Peace and Love,

Victor Kendrick II (Bro. Vick)

P.S. Let us not forget about our late longtime and friend and brother Joseph Morris, who has an outrageous sense of humor. Back in October of last year, God has called him home. Please remember his family in your thoughts and prayers. Most of all, let’s continue to pray for each other.

Colossians 3:12-14

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”

A Letter To My Longtime Friends XVI: Class Fellowship While In Quarantine

A Letter To My Longtime Friends XVI: Class Fellowship While In Quarantine

Dear Longtime Friends and Brethren,

This is your friend and brother before coming to you with another annual yearly article. As you know it just in case you didn't realize, this day marks 14 years of our high school graduation. I am privileged and much honored to bring this past event to your remembrance. Even though we are in quarantine, it doesn't stop us from reminiscing and reflecting. Having said this, let's gather together in spirit as we unite for fellowship in the comfort of our own homes or wherever we may be, so grab a drink and a snack, and come right back! Hahaha… Without further ado, let's enjoy this moment of nostalgia, shall we?

On May 27, 2006, we gathered together for one last time. From preschool all the way to high school; of course, each of us has a different story. We pulled up to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church where our graduation ceremony took place. The late senior pastor Bishop Eddie L. Long was nice and generous to allow us to use his church and sanctuary. He was a great fellow. We walked inside this room which resembles a huge study hall classroom to be seated. Inside, we received our stoles to put around our necks, which has the name of our school "CGHS" and "CLASS OF 2006" printed thereon. And due to the fact that we were overjoyed, one of our teachers said, "I'm gonna let you get it out of your system," so we made joyful noises as loud as we could. We then lined up to this other door: we walked outside on the cement pathway which leads to another side of the church building. We lined up in the church hallway in two straight lines. My mom was taking pictures with her camera; since she was excited, she took a picture of my brother and I (we were both graduating together.) We slowly moved up to the door which leads to the sanctuary where we began the ceremonial walk…

As the processional part of the graduation ceremony began, we walked with each other in two straight lines side-by-side to the choir stand as the orchestral piece "Pomp and Circumstance" was playing. One cue, we all sat down at once! The pledge of allegiance to our country's flag was led by one of our beloved classmates, and our principal made a good speech. I took a look at the audience, and everyone was cheering for us! As our music stepped, he directed us to sing "Saints Forever," which is our Alma Mater; we were also directed to sing "I Am Here," which is an inspirational Gospel song by Donald Lawrence: the crowd really enjoyed that! We then moved on to the receiving of our diploma cases right along with individual picture taking in alphabetical order featuring our principal's handshake. One moment later, we did a little celebration by tossing our caps in the air and catching them! We were having a blast!

Eventually, we did a recessional: we walked together in two straight lines and in pairs as we exited the church. And outside, we greeted each other once more; have were extended for handshakes, fist bumps were done, hugs were given, combos of handshakes and hugs were done, "daps" with hugs were done, warm and big smiles were given, autographs were exchanged, pictures were taken, laughter was made, and whole lots more. Our hearts were filled with love, joy, and happiness. After spending years in the public school system, it finally came to a close. Having said all, we united for a special occasion one one accord: we fellowshipped together, we sung together, we celebrated together, we walked together, we drew pictures in the still frames of our hearts together, we bade farewell to each other, and we parted ways. As what I said last year, it was the proudest day of my life!

I truly want to thank you all for taking time to read this letter. I love you guys unconditionally. As usual, don't back down for anyone. Stay on top of your game everyday. I wish you Peace, Serenity, Tranquility, and Many Blessings. Stay Safe! Take care of yourselves.

In the Spirit of Love & All Humility,

Victor Kendrick II [Brother Vick]

P.S. Even though the Coronavirus is raging on and we should be safe, trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as He directs our paths. You guys still have a special place in my heart, and I will continue to pray for you all. Much Agape Love!

Philippians 1:3-11 (KJV)  I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,

For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.

For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.