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.”
