The Harper Generations

Graduation

Valentino

My cousins and I set up our surprise with the help of a few other cousins. We rigged boxes and ran a line away from the back of the stage. We had to work quickly before the school security caught us.

Damien and Brody set up the Bluetooth with the receiver. Diego helped Aiden while he welded the pressure plates into the stage. Karlene was the lookout for us. My cousins and I placed canisters in different places.

Once we had everything ready, we left the graduation area, ran to our cars, and took off. We wanted to honor Grandpa Matt in a unique way and make our presence known. If anyone deserves it, it's him.

*******
Misty

Finals were insane. It didn't help that Tino and the cousins were MIA the night before graduation. I made sure my graduation gown was pressed and hung up. I crawled into bed, cuddled into my pillow, and drifted asleep.

An hour later, the bed dipped with arms wrapped around my waist. I snuggled into Tíno and fell asleep.

The following morning, I awoke with Tino gone. I noticed a message on my phone, read it, and smiled before getting up and joining Tino downstairs with my dad and Alana for breakfast.

After breakfast, Tino headed home to get ready. I showered, dressed, and left my hair loose. I pinned the cap to my hair and put on my gown as someone knocked on my door. I glanced at Tino in his cap and gown and smiled. He held out his hand to me. I didn't hesitate to take it.

We came downstairs and left with my dad and Alana. With so many of us graduating, people rode together to save on parking spots. We arrived at the ceremony area. Since they were part of the faculty, Pat, Kadia, Rowan, and Sam walked toward the stage in a cap and gown. They took their places on stage while we found our seats.

I sat with the girls while the ten Harper cousins sat together. Never in the history of Oakridge High School have ten family members graduated simultaneously.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Principal Joseph Weston. I want to welcome everyone to Oakridge High School graduation," the principal announced.

We clapped.

"Today's graduation celebration signifies two important achievements. We have ten family members graduating today. Will Aiden, Diego, Karlene, Loki, Michael, Preston, River, Ryan, Thor, and Valentino Harper stand?"

Tino and his cousins stood as their family clapped and cheered.

"Thank you. Michael, Preston, River, Ryan, and Valentino will remain standing for my next announcement."

We exchanged glances as confusion swept over everyone's faces.

"I would like to welcome this year's high school  Valedictorians."

Our brows shot up, and our jaws dropped in shock. Tino and his cousins headed to the stage and were recognized as valedictorians. We cheered and clapped for them.

*******
Valentino

My cousins and I smiled as we accepted our awards. Our family, girls, and friends cheered, clapped, and whistled. We hadn't told anyone the five of us were Valedictorians this year.

Principal Weston shook our hands and congratulated us before turning the microphone over to us. We glimpsed at the pressure plates and ensured we stood in the right spot to step back.

I leaned into the microphone. "Thank you. My cousins and I appreciate this honor and wanted to surprise our family. It's not like our family hasn't had enough surprises to last a lifetime. But this one was special."