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.”
