MCC Commencement 2025-The Party Behind The Scenes
It was a Thursday event, and Buster and Yessa had to be at Blue Cross Arena by 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. event. Kel, Paula, and Kate were arriving just in time for the ceremony, so our family drove down all together to get settled with our books and drawing supplies while Yessa and Buster went to join the 1400 other graduates.
Because we didn't have to leave the house until 5:15, we got to enjoy a lovely, relaxing day. Buds worked, but I took the day off, so the rest of us filled our time as we chose.
My friend Shatona sent the grads lovely soft blankets to take to school, and they arrived in the mail.
Plenty of time for everyone to get pretty.
Buds had to run home, so Monkey and I had time to pick our seats and find Yessa and Buster where they were seated waiting for the process to begin.
Loved ones arrived just as things were getting going, and our picture was projected on the big screen, and the shot of our excitement captured by the official photographer, just as they were getting settled.
We knew Aunt Rebecca and Ray and all the grandparents were watching from home, and we'd heard from lots of loved ones with good wishes.
It's a joy to live in this modern world where people can watch an event from around the world, as well as have access to the order of events so everyone knows what's coming up.
I think all of us would agree that the favorite speaker was from the Student Speaker, Ronald Smith.
We got to congratulate him in the lobby after the ceremony. His message of inspiration and dedication; completing his degree at 50+ after all five of his children had gotten their degrees, was loving and laughter filled. He is amazing.
After the inspirational speeches, we settled in for the reading of the names.
Buster was seated on our side of the arena, about 2/3rds of the way back in the row of chairs.
They began with the side closest to us and worked their way back, so we had the excitement of waiting for Buster to stand, then we cheered as he crossed the stage. Then we had over an hour to wait until it was time for Yessa to stand in preparation for her walk.
Graduates had been asked at the beginning of the ceremony to stay until the end of the ceremony out of respect for all the graduates, but by the end the seats were more empty than filled. We didn't really mind because the people with the air horn left, and it made it easier for us when it was time to leave the arena.
We loved the photos we were offered of the kids shaking the president's hand, and the quick snap that was grabbed after they walked off the stage with their diplomas.
What a treat for Yessa to run off the stage, ready to be hugged by Kate.
Everything finally wrapped up a little after 10 p.m. and we gathered in the entry to collect our graduates.
It was a night to remember.
