Thuggin' Get Real

Graduation Day Pt. 2

Goodmorning family, friends, faculty, and fellow graduates. Well, we did it. We all accomplished one of the major early milestones of our lives: high school graduation. This is a major step in the journey of our lives, one that should be recognized for its immense significance. It is an act not only of personal commitment, but also one of pride. We all worked hard to get to this day, and our work did not go to waste. A high school diploma is a wonderful tool in this world, one that opens many doors of opportunity for anyone who is lucky enough to have one. But graduation is not an end goal in itself; it is instead apart of the larger journey of life. Wherever your future takes you, let it take you somewhere. Life is a journey, and all accomplishments we achieve during its course should be taken as starting points for further achievements. Our graduation should serve as such a launching point, projecting us to wherever our futures are meant to take us, whether we land ourselves a career, take up a trade, or continue our education at college or Vocational/technical School. But before we can begin to reach for the stars, there is one more personal milestone that we all need to reach. Most people who graduate from high school experience only one graduation- that from high school. But we all have one more shortly ahead of us. We've already shown our commitment to personal growth through making it to this ceremony today, but soon, all of us will experience another ceremony when we graduate from our programs. As I said before, life is a journey- we don't stop growing once we get our diplomas. Life is about growing, and being in our programs gives each of us new opportunities to continue growing and to learn new skills that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. And we don'thave to stop there! This graduation has already shown us how capable we all are of accomplishing our goals when we commit ourselves to them. I hope all of us here today can take this personal accomplishment as a example of how anything is truly possible when you put our minds to it. As we continue in our lives, let us take each new problem on with confidence, knowing that we have achieved great heights and are equipped with the necessary tools to tackle our futures. The road that lies ahead won't be easy. There will be obstacles and missed exits, potholes, and roadblocks. There will be times when each of us feel like we cannot possibly go on. There will be times when each of us will think he or she is alone. We are all in this journey together. We made it this far- why should we back out now? Nothing worthwhile is easy, and that includes making the most out of our futures. But doesn't mean we give up on ourselves. We will keep pushing because We can achieve our dreams, and because We are worth it.

Everybody stood up and clapped once Jacelyn Cortes finished her speech. "Now on with the graduation ceremony." Mrs. Sanchez said. As each student name was called, several parents and siblings cheered.

Jacelyn Cortes

Maureen Henderson

Alexis Lewis

Taylor Stevens

All of their boyfriends stood up. "Whoooo that's my babies." Janelle cried. "JayCee!" Jadien shouted. "That's my girlfriend. That's my girlfriend." Devon clowned. "That's my baby girl." Jay shouted. "Whoooo that's my babes!" Rashan shouted. "Go Maureen. Baby girl you did that." Bryce shouted. The boys looked at each other. "On three! One. Two. Three. Squuuuuuaaaaaaad!" They all yelled in unison. The girls laughed.

Graduation Party

Everybody met up at Jacelyn and Jadien house. "I would like to make a toast to my baby girl. Jacelyn, you came a long way. Even though I missed majority of your life but I saved the best for last. Graduation. I remember when you just being born. I knew right then and there, you were going to make me proud and you did. Your mother and I are very proud. I know if Ja'Quan was here, he'll be proud too. Its truly a blessing to my baby girl walk across that stage. To conclude this toast, Janelle and I have some big news to you guys." Jay looked at Janelle and she nodded. "Well what is it Mr. West?" Alexis questioned. Everybody at the table was waiting. "We are having another baby!" Janelle shouted. Jadien fell to the ground. "Awwww daaaaaammmn!" shouted Devon. Rashan and Bryce too fell out their seat. Janelle laughed. Jacelyn was happy. "I'm going to be a big sister." she squealed. Taylor, Maureen and Alexis jumped up and down. Jacques got up from the table and walked outside. Jacelyn noticed and followed.

"Baby what's wrong?" Jacelyn asked softly. Jacques looked at her. He smiled. "Nothing baby. Look I have something to tell you. I know it was my fault I put you in the hospital. I should've never opened the door to Kesha. It was a huge mistake but believe when I say I didn't freak that girl. You is the only girl I ever want and need. You my first and now you're going to be my last." Jacques reached into his pocket and pulled out a box. Jacelyn squealed. "OMG Jacques!" she shouted. Everybody came to door. "Jacelyn Marie Cortes, I promise not to hurt you. I promise not to lie. I promise to befriend you and defend you with my life. I promise you forever. I promise you today. Would you wear my promise ring?" Jacques asked. "Yes!" Jacelyn eagerly screamed. He picked up and kiss her. "Awww now that's what you call goals." Devon said. Alexis hit him the back of the head. The crew all cheered. Jadien was glad to see his baby sister happy and knew Ja'Quan was too.