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.”
