It could have been any graduation ceremony in any American town.
It was a perfect, breezy spring evening, so breezy that students at times had to cling to their caps, which glinted with bronze tones thanks to a perfect sunset. The band played "Pomp and Circumstance," fighting to be heard over the cicadas. Graduates marched across a high school track, girls’ high heels slowly sinking into the turf as they stepped toward the end zone. Young men wore too much cologne. Speeches were given, diplomas handed out, yelps came from the stands against strict orders from the principal. Finally, caps were thrown skyward.
But a careful eye, or a careful ear, could discern that this ceremony was something very different.
The band instruments -- many were borrowed. The girl's dresses -- some were donated. And nearly all these students started their year at another school. As the year began in September, very few believed they'd be graduating tonight at Bay Field.
Valedictorian Casey Maria Dedeaux
Like valedictorian Casey Maria Dedeaux. She began her senior year at a school in Tampa, Fla. But there she was, standing on a stage under a goal post, water tower towering over her emblazoned with the words “Bay St. Louis, a place apart,” talking about her fellow students and their future.
"I don't want to talk about the same things you always hear at graduations," she began. She didn't have to look far for more original material. "I really didn't want to talk about Hurricane Katrina. But then I realized you can't talk about the class of 2006 without talking about the storm."
If you dropped in on this ceremony, on this perfect spring night, you'd notice absolutely nothing different about the field, the students, or the school. Very little was out of place, including the students. The class should have had about 130 students graduating tonight; instead, 125 graduated, and two students who moved away were allowed to participate in the ceremony. That's remarkable given the twin towns of Bay St. Louis and Waveland are still missing nearly half their residents. But these students wanted to graduate from this school this year, said Principal Marca Boyer-Alexander. Some even moved in with friends, while their families remained away from town, in order to resume their senior year.
"The resilience of these kids is amazing," she said.
You had to listen close to even hear evidence that something was amiss at Bay High School graduation. Dedeaux was even able to make light of it all in her talk.
"We know we can handle anything thrown at us, including debris," she said.
That this graduation happened at all is a minor miracle, given just how much debris came to rest on nearly every home in this community. Back in September, in the days following the hurricane, principal Boyer-Alexander said there was "tremendous doubt" that students would be able to graduate from the school this year. But emergency refurbishing, donated books, and a lot of spit and polish got the building open for business Nov. 1. Then, some creative scheduling added more classes for the students, enough to allow each one to earn the required hour credits by graduation night.
"We wanted to make sure the storm didn't punish these kids," she said.
Not that there wasn't punishment. No senior died in the hurricane, but another student at the school did -- so did dozens of family members and friends, who should have been here tonight. Others faced -- and still face -- the long road back to normalcy.
"I watched men and women cry as they stood in line for water and food," superintendent Kim Stasny reminded the students. "I saw mothers begging for shoes and diapers for their children. ... we were stunned, we were speechless, we were broken."
There were plenty of reasons to quit. But they did not; and tonight, like every other high school senior in America, the talk focused -- not on death and destruction -- but on escaping from classrooms, on achieving dreams, on getting rich. On hope.
Today, Bay St. Louis and Waveland are at a critical juncture. Cleanup is about two-thirds done, and now, the rebuilding has begun. But there is a hanging question in the air. "Are you staying?" With hurricane season around the corner, many are facing the choice to stay and rebuild, or to go.
Almost without exception, the students of Bay High School had long since made that choice. And because of that choice, tonight, for one evening, in one place, they were normal teen-agers. And they were all home.
Two dozen graduates of 1956 -- 50 years ago -- were honered at the ceremony. One was Larry Bennett -- who once served as Bay St. Louis mayor. As the ceremony ended, the now-former students marched across the field to an open spot, twirled themselves into a tight spiral formation, and hurled their caps in the air. As they did, Bennett beamed with pride.
"Boy, these kids came through like champs," he said, as they hugged, leaving their caps scattered across the field, a rare kind of happy debris for this town.
Paving the way for summer
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Congratulations graduates!
Ray37212, Nashville, TN (Sent May 19, 2006 1:39:00 PM)
I came to help you guys in April and was stunned by what I saw. Praise the Lord that you did't let the storm take away your hopes, dreams, and pride in your town. Congratulations, and know that you are not forgotten and that you all are prayed for daily.
karen Zeeland, MI (Sent May 19, 2006 2:11:33 PM)
May all of you find your heart's desire. It is YOU that show the true American spirt. America is proud of you all.
Joe Carpenter, Wilmington, NC (Sent May 19, 2006 2:16:03 PM)
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!! Uplifting and in-
spirational are the feelings that arise from seeing
these students truly "overcome"! What a great hope
for all of our futures. I've been around a few years
and have definitely had my fair share of major bumps in life, (mentally, physically, emtionally)... but somehow I always knew that keeping a real positive attitude was the best medicine there is for getting
thru. It's like a giant booster shot that enhances whatever else you might require to survive. It's having a faith or belief that everything WILL be good
again. I raised 3 terrific adults who now themselves have children who will be in/of this world. They, and others like them, "are our future". Thank you, students of Bay High School for showing us all what you can do! Best wishes for a fulfilled and blessed future! You should feel such pride in what you have accomplished; we should all feel very P-R-O-U-D!!!
Mom/Grandma/Nanny Murrieta,CA (Formerly Pittsburgh,PA) (Sent May 19, 2006 2:22:18 PM)
Congratulations! You're sheer gut and determination will help you to do well in the future. Never forget your past as you forge your future. Good Luck.
Jim Ivell, Kennerdell, Pennsylvania (Sent May 19, 2006 2:22:52 PM)
IS America strong? Ha! Thank you, Bay St. Louis students! Yup, we are strong!
Be well; do well...and we will all be well!
Bob S. Hale Park Ridge, Illinois (Sent May 19, 2006 2:24:37 PM)
As I read, my tears came down. Reminding me how much will power we have as young adults. Congratulation Class of 2006!!!
Maria Santiago,Orlando,Florida (Sent May 19, 2006 2:28:13 PM)
congratulations and good luck to you all
judy (Sent May 19, 2006 2:43:46 PM)
May God richly bless each and every one of you. You have shown faith, desire, drive and determination. Keep that spirit!
Bobbie, Arnold, MO (Sent May 19, 2006 2:46:53 PM)
Thanks to the generosity of America who made it possible for these kids, our future of Bay St. Louis, to continue their dream of making it through their Senior Year together.
michelle, bay st. louis (Sent May 19, 2006 2:47:36 PM)
These kids are an example of true Americans. Showing we can survive anything if we relly want to. God Bless eac and everyone of them. They have a true right to be proud.
John Doe Vero Beach , Florida (Sent May 19, 2006 2:49:39 PM)
Way to go Class of 06!! As a past Bay High student, it makes me proud to see you push the debris to the side and walk with pride!!! We will rebuild, not only bay St. Louis, but the whole coast!!!
Tinaka, Riverview, FL (Sent May 19, 2006 2:58:54 PM)
Congratulations, Class of 2006! You make all Mississipians (transplanted ones, too) proud!
Michael Roberts, Houston, TX (Sent May 19, 2006 2:59:45 PM)
Congraduation to each graduate. We resided in your area until 1999 and our kids went to school in Bay St. Louis. We feal a real sense of pride in your accomplishment. We pray that your strength in overcoming difficulties will serve you well throughout your lives. God Bless.
Huntsville, Alabama (Sent May 19, 2006 3:13:51 PM)
yall have something to be very proud about! Good job at keeping the faith. congrats
lisa fouts north salem IN (Sent May 19, 2006 3:18:51 PM)
What a class act. God Bless you kids.
Holly D. Plant City, Fl (Sent May 19, 2006 3:22:43 PM)
Graduates, you earned two diplomas yesterday. One was for academic accomplishment. The other is for character. Congratulations!
Jim McCann, Baton Rouge, LA (Sent May 19, 2006 3:23:24 PM)
Way to go Graduates! Each of you will look back on this with a sting in your eyes, and a lump in your throat, just as I have now.
Marcy, Hattiesburg, MS (Sent May 19, 2006 3:25:43 PM)
God Luck Y'all.Now use that energy to help rebuild the spirit of the Gulf Coast of Mississippi
Gerard Scheuermann, Manteca, CA (Sent May 19, 2006 3:28:11 PM)
Congratulations!! You've endured many more obstacles in the past year than most people will in their lives. We wish you continued success and the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Linda Plano, TX (Sent May 19, 2006 3:44:49 PM)
I am a Katrina survivor also, although I have moved away from the area. I have alot of respect for these kids and hope that their futures are bright and happy. They deserve the best!! Congratulations!!!
Cindy Haring (Sent May 19, 2006 4:04:36 PM)
Awesome job, Class of '06! I pray that life has already thrown you the worst it has to offer you.
Stephanie Umbro, Maine (Sent May 19, 2006 4:09:43 PM)
Congratulations to you all!!!! And in the words of Dr. Seuss " Oh the places you will go!"
Gail Roberts Houston, Texas (Sent May 19, 2006 4:53:00 PM)
After two relief trips with volunteers from my church to Waveland/Bay St. Louis, I can testify as to the resilience of these kids. One teen in particular stands out, Anna Sharpe, as being the pillar of the family during those first few months. If interested in stories & pictures from these trips, visit www.reedfam.net and click on the Katrina graphic. Congratulations on y'all pulling back together and graduating! You have changed us forever!
Brad Carlson, Ann Arbor, Michigan (Sent May 19, 2006 5:18:54 PM)
Congratulations class of 2006!! We always tell our kids as they graduate, to go out and make a difference. You already have! I hope the future holds much success and happiness for all of you.
Debbie, Dingmans Ferry, PA (Sent May 19, 2006 5:20:56 PM)
Congratulations to the graduates..always remember that God will never put more on you than you can bare. This graduation is a clear testimony of what God can and will do for those who trust and believe in him. Best wishes for your future endeavors.
Jalyn Porter Peoria, IL (Sent May 19, 2006 6:30:49 PM)
these kids{young men and women i should say}are the key to the future of our great state and the future of America!....make it better than we have!...God love ya...Congratulations!
andy,ms (Sent May 19, 2006 7:12:55 PM)
Just keep moving, don't stop. You have your education now, try and continue on a Pell grant for two years of college. If you reach out, we will all help you.
Kathryn Gray (Sent May 19, 2006 9:30:00 PM)
All of these kids are great. They found their way and I think most can say the year was different but ok. I am sure each found something within themselves that they know they are better for it.
The excitment in the air and the proudness in everyone's heart at this graduation was something I think everyone in attendance felt. This class of 2006 has so much to be proud of. They are truly great.
I am an extremly proud parent of one of these students. My child kept a great unbelievable spirt and will tell you that this year was a great year!
I have no idea where these kids found the strength to keep on going ahead but hats off to the parents for keeping them going!
Bay/Waveland Resident (Sent May 19, 2006 11:33:33 PM)
You all represent all that is good about America. Congratulation
Howard Poole Roanoke, Va (Sent May 20, 2006 9:02:25 AM)
Congratulations to the Bay High School Class of 2006! You have much to be proud of! Go for a wonderful future!
Linda Stringer, Frankfort IN (Sent May 20, 2006 9:04:48 AM)
Who can doubt the future of our country with young adults such as these....Congrats for not only graduating under horrific circumstances, but for keeping hope alive
Jan, Beaumont, TX (Sent May 20, 2006 2:08:37 PM)
I was in Ocean Springs in April with a volunteer group, helping families rebuild. The character, hope, strength, and good ol' Southern hospitality of all folks we met was fantastic and the experience touched me deeply. You grads do your folks, city, state, and nation proud. Bless you and may you and your beautiful part of the country live long and prosper.
Don Cameron, Mountain View, California (Sent May 20, 2006 3:15:15 PM)
I am so proud. We are down here in the middle of this, and some days it is hard just to put one foot in front of the other and move forward. These kids show the entire nation the grit and determination we are made of on the Coast.
Amy Ramsak, Gulfport, (Sent May 20, 2006 4:06:44 PM)
Bay High Class of '91, here!!! We love you, wish you the best. You've got the guts and the strength to be real leaders in this world. BSL/Waveland must be so proud to have a graduating class like yours, special souls you are. God Bless.
M.E. Howard, AL (Sent May 20, 2006 4:23:19 PM)
I'm so proud of you guys, especially you, Casey. You evidently have what it takes to overcome whatever life brings to follow your dreams. I will pray for you .
Marsha Blackstock, Austin, Texas (Sent May 20, 2006 7:14:41 PM)
Thanks for showing us how to handle such an awful disaster. Bay St. Louis Class of 2006 makes us proud to be a resident of Mississippi. We love you and hope each of you can find the bright future that you deserve.
Rufus Gardner, Winona, Mississippi (Sent May 20, 2006 11:12:20 PM)
Congradulations and best wishes go to Edward Mc Neal,and each 2006 graduate of Bay High!! You make me proud to be from Bay St. Louis.
Deborah collier, Vicksburg MS (Sent May 21, 2006 12:03:53 AM)
CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of 06.....take the lessons of Katrina with you through out your life and remember that there is nothing that you cannot accomplish. Forge ahead and be stong, you still have much to do!!! Enjoy everyday....We are proud of you!
Liz & Lauren Zimmerman Waveland (Sent May 21, 2006 9:56:24 AM)
You all have shown the world your strength and determination. Thank you for what you have done for yourselves and for Mississippi. Congratulations on a job well done.
Jacquelyn Williams, Brookhaven, Misssissippi (Sent May 21, 2006 12:27:24 PM)
God Bless you, graduates. I know you will do well in your future endeavors. True example of what it means to be a survivor.
Donya, Germantown, Maryland (Sent May 21, 2006 5:00:29 PM)
Congrats to all ya'll
Katrina Survivor Class 2005-2006
We are mighty proud of our next generation of True Leaders of our Community and Nation!
Through any adversity - We shall overcome, together.
Be Excellent to each other.
PEACE - WQRZ
Brice L. Phillips - WQRZ Bay St. Louis, Ms. (Sent May 21, 2006 5:21:10 PM)
My god keep leading you each in the right directions.
You all are what makes this country great. Keep your heads high and walk tall. I very proud of You Derek Kimmel.
ecowles, Bay St. Louis, Ms (Sent May 21, 2006 8:52:26 PM)
Grads of 2006, all I know about the destruction of Bay St Louis & the Waveland area was what I saw on televison. To hear that your class came together to graduate, makes me have faith again in our young people of today. Here in Phoenix, our young people are shooting each other week after week, griping that they don't have enough computers and I Ipods. They all need to visit your state and surrounding areas. God bless you all!!!
Bill McGowan (Sent May 21, 2006 9:11:34 PM)
congratulatons to the class of 2006. i am a graduate of gulfport high class of 1956. i've always known how great the people of mississippi are now all have you have proved what i knew to the world. keep on keeping on. carolyn baltimore md
carolyn finch baltimore maryland (Sent May 22, 2006 8:52:41 AM)
From the Bay High Class of 1966. Congrats !!! Everyone who walked out on Tiger Field should be very proud of themselves. You are the future and you will make us all proud. Good Luck and Keep Strong !!
Linda, Tampa, Fl (formerly Bay St Louis) (Sent May 22, 2006 9:15:29 AM)
Congratulations to the class of 2006. You young men and women have shown that the Gulf Coast will rebuild bigger and better than before. As a fellow Katrina survivor, reading stories like your's gives me hope for our future here on the Coast. May you never lose the determination you have shown today.
Brett B., New Orleans, LA (Sent May 22, 2006 10:15:41 AM)
To the Bay High Tiger Band Graduating Class of 2006
I miss all of you and I m so very sorry I missed your Graduation. My love and best wishes go out to all of you. CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Please move forward to college and wonderful careers your journey into adulthood has just begun. God Bless all of you and your families.
Love,
Mama Schweeney
Vice President of
Bay High Boosters 2005
Schonda Sweeney (Sent May 22, 2006 4:07:14 PM)
From a Bay High Class member of 1983 CONGRATULATIONS you have the strength and determination to overcome anything life throws at you. You have already overcome more than most will ever know. I know a few of you from my daughter Johanna and I wish we could have been there to see you all. You have grown up to be wonderful young adults.
Lenora Kelly Bilbo (Sent May 23, 2006 11:18:12 AM)
You students are our future and you make the future bright with your creativity, can-do attitude, adaptability...all these are virtues that will help you in life. God Bless to you and your families. My 16 yr. old daughter and I were down in Feb. for the Mardi Gras. I was amazed at peoples attitudes...they humbled me. Take care and best wishes in all the you endeavor.
Stevie Presgraves, Moses Lake, WA. (Sent May 23, 2006 2:19:49 PM)
Thank you Class 0f 2006-- for reminding us of who
we are! Never lose sight of who you are, where you
belong and where you are going. You have been on many
prayer lists. Keep on rolling!
Betty Aaron, Shuqualak, Ms (Sent May 23, 2006 4:40:12 PM)
Casey Dedeaux I am so proud of you. Your parents are beaming with pride. You set out and accomplished all that you dreamed of! I wish you the best in all of your future endeavors.
Bonnie, Bay St. Louis, MS (Sent May 23, 2006 8:36:47 PM)
What you've done there and continue to do means so much more than I can think to say. I am so proud of you all. Never quit learning and remember your roots.
Jane, Southern Mississippi (Sent May 23, 2006 10:31:24 PM)
Congratulations to the kids of Hancock High School also!!!! Please dont leave them out.
Hancock County (Sent May 24, 2006 12:05:16 PM)
Congratulations Seniors 2006, I grew up in Gulfport and went through Hurricane Camille. I came home to visit family and friends during Christmas this past year. I saw firsthand the destruction of your area, Katrina may have destroyed your towns, but she didn't destroy your spirit and the love of the Gulf Coast. God Bless you and keep you safe remember your day always!
Michelle Miner, Everett, Washington (Sent May 25, 2006 3:44:04 AM)
Congrats from the Class of 84. Your actions and determination are truly the foundation of the pride exumed by all Mississippians and Americans. Glad to hear that TIGER PRIDE is still alive and well.
Kerry Bludnick, RN, BSN
Zanesville Ohio
Kerry Bludnick (Sent May 26, 2006 5:40:26 AM)
Congratulations Class of 2006! You are beacons in the Bay. You have come thru so much and it can only get better. May God bless each one of you and may all of your dreams come true. Dream big and work hard.
Charlotte, Regions Bank, BSL, MS (Sent May 27, 2006 9:42:46 PM)
Your courage and ability to rebound is remarkable. I have been to your hometown 3 times since Katrina and plan on returning more. You have strength that many do not. We are all so proud of you. You are our heros.
B.Shaw Jonesboro, AR (Sent May 29, 2006 12:19:01 AM)
Congratulations Graduate of 2006!!!!May you continue and follow your path to a better tomorrow.
Marriz, Saipan, Pacific (Sent May 29, 2006 12:59:23 AM)
Congratulation Class of 2006! I am a prouder American after reading of your tenacity and acomplishment. Continue working hard and make your city thrive again.
Ben Harris, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Sent May 29, 2006 1:49:11 AM)
Congratulations class of 2006! You are TRULY remarkable' May other young adults look at you with admiration knowing what you have all been through. My hats off to all of you. You will all succeed in life because you have the fighting sprit and faith.
Dexter, Maine (Sent May 29, 2006 8:42:16 AM)
Thank you graduates for showing the true American spirit and showing the rest of America how strong you are. Congratulations and good luck in everything you do from now on!
Victoria, Ft. Worth, Texas (Sent May 29, 2006 11:06:37 AM)
Your story gave me chills and tears. I am proud of everyone down there-especially the students. These means, though, that you can go and grab the world by the tail--you are that strong and empowered! Good luck.
L Hall, Marion VA (Sent May 29, 2006 11:17:22 AM)
Congratulations! You have shown that the will, faith and hardwork can do wonders. Keep it up forever, and it would inspire others along the way.
Wish you all the best.
Samir Kagalwala, San Diego, CA (Sent May 29, 2006 1:27:25 PM)
as i have told ya....these young people...are the leaders for the future!...bless all ya ...and lead us well!!!!
andy,ms (Sent May 29, 2006 5:06:05 PM)
The choices you make determine the life you lead (Mr. Rago in the movie The Renaissance Man)...the choices you young men and women made in the face of calamity and hopelessness bodes well for the lives you will lead and how you will lead your families, your communities and our country. May you always have the same hope and courage all the rest of your days. C. Schneider, Glassboro, NJ
carolynn schneider (Sent May 29, 2006 7:56:41 PM)
May God continue to bless the people of this wonderful community. May this group of young people serve as a beacon of grace under pressure and character in the face of adversity.
Krista, Dallas, TX (Sent May 29, 2006 8:04:37 PM)
My thoughts and prayers are with you, graduates. When my students and I were down in Waveland in November helping to clean up, we were so impressed with the positive spirit of the people we helped that they were actually a tremendous blessing to us. We will always have a soft spot in our hearts for you! God Bless You!
Howard Munson (Sent May 30, 2006 12:29:53 AM)
WE ALL MUST GO THROUGH A STORM IN LIFE SOME SPIRITUALY,SOME EMOTIONALLY AND SOME PHYSICALLY BUT ITS NOT HOW WE GO THROUGH THE STORM THAT MATTERS ITS HOW WE COME OUT OF IT AND WHAT WE LEARN FROM IT. TAKE EVERY PART OF YOUR LIFE AND LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST. ITS OKAY TO LOOK BACK AT WERE YOU'VE BEEN BUT DONT LOOSE SIGHT OF WERE YOUR GOING. NEVER GET FIXED ON WHAT WAS.. WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN.. AND WHAT COULD HAVE.. FOCUS YOURSELVES ON WHAT IS.. WHAT WILL BE.. AND WHAT IS GOING TO BE IN YOUR LIFE. A WORD TO LIVE BY NEVER GET COMFORTABLE IN THE STATE THAT YOUR IN REGARDLESS OF HOW GOOD IT SEEMS ALWAYS STRIVE FOR MORE,BUT IN YOUR QUEST FOR DOING BETTER IN LIFE NEVER LOOSE SIGHT OF WHO YOU ARE ALWAYS BE YOURSELF. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU IS MY SINCERE PRAYER
DEKAUNNI L.S. DALLAS,TX (Sent May 30, 2006 8:22:44 AM)
I would like to congradulate you all on a job well done. Know that you are an insperation to others who will now see that there is nothing that you can't over come if you just believe and follow your Goals. Again CONGRADUATIONS on a job well done.
Michelle, Philadelphia PA (Sent May 30, 2006 8:46:36 AM)
Keep the faith
Linen Washington, DC (Sent May 30, 2006 1:14:48 PM)
What a joy to know that you guys did not give up HOPE. We need young POSITIVE thinking people to make this world a better place. I myself am a native of Mississsippi so I know the dispair people there suffered. May God continue to BLESS each and every one of you.
Shrail Tucker-Curry, Snellville,Georgia (Sent May 30, 2006 3:55:04 PM)
You've lived through the worse now go be the best!!! Congratulations to all graduates of 2006.
Yvonne Phoenix Az (Sent May 30, 2006 4:18:59 PM)
CONGRATULATIONS, TO ALL OF THE GRADUATES, YOU ALL INSPIRE ME SO MUCH, THERE IS NOTHING MORE SPECIAL THAN TO SEE YOU GUYS, CONQUERING THE MOST DEVASTATING TIME IN YOUR LIVES. NOW I KNOW THAT REGARDLESS OF WHAT GOES ON IN MY LIFE, I CAN GET THRU IT AND OVER IT. GOD BLESS
EUGENIA TURNER - POWELL (Sent May 30, 2006 5:44:46 PM)
Just wanted to say Congrats on the diplomas to all of the graduates. Coming from Pearl River County originally and back many times for relief efforts to help rebuild with a lot of friends' families, it is awesome to see everyone still focused on the future! Best of luck towards your goals and dreams! Live it up, you all (graduates and families) deserve it!!! God Bless!!!
Chris McEachran, Tallahassee, FL / Poplarville, MS (Sent May 30, 2006 8:21:35 PM)
Congratulations graduates! You have really accomplished something to be proud of. Good luck and bright furures to you all!!
Mark Samora, Chicago, IL. (Sent May 30, 2006 11:27:24 PM)
Congratulations, the sky's the limit!
Denise Banks, Neptune NJ (Sent May 31, 2006 9:59:29 AM)
I'm so glad that you didn't let anything get in the way of the happiest moment of your life so far. Though we can't change what happens in the world today as far as the weather, but we can certainly count on our God to help us over come anything and everything. I'm very proud that you guys have made it and just remember that prayers are always answered.
Jeffrey Hunter, Irvington, NJ (Sent May 31, 2006 10:06:54 AM)
So many haven't even endured what these wonderful students have and still quit along the way. These students know what struggle and challenge truly means! And they achieved despite all that was against them! Congratulations Grads!
Nadine, Virginia Beach, VA (Sent May 31, 2006 11:15:23 AM)
We, in the northern part of the US are so lucky...all we have a blizzards and tornadoes and very few of those as we live right on Lake Michigan which protects us from tornadoes for the most part. Our hearts go out to all of you and are so proud of you students...what great Americans you will all make!! I just feel love in my heart for all of you.
Marsha Mahynski - Hart, MI (Sent May 31, 2006 11:36:07 AM)
Congratulations and Best of Luck to all the 2006 graduates! It's because of people like you that make me proud to be from Mississippi! Our great state will rebuild and our future will look better than ever. God Bless.
Cheryl, Tishomingo, MS (Sent May 31, 2006 11:47:32 AM)
Congratulations and good luck to ALL of you!!!
Caitie, Charlottsville, VA (Sent May 31, 2006 12:05:34 PM)
Congrats to everyone!!
You are very strong people and I hope all goes great with everyone! You will all be in my prayers.
Brooke Ainsworth, Ne (Sent May 31, 2006 12:37:13 PM)
Congragulations on this great accomplishment. All of you truly symbolize what a true American is. Your dedication will surely give others the strength to move forward and face any obstacle in their path.
Charlie- Texas City,TX (Sent May 31, 2006 1:21:39 PM)
My heart goes out to each and every one of you. I am so very proud of all of you. Never quit, keep going forward. The country needs all of you in whatever you do! God Bless You and a job well done!
Rhonda Stermer, Norman, Oklahoma (Sent May 31, 2006 2:16:08 PM)
Congrats. It is obstacles like these that make individuals stronger and more personalized. Yet now individual deserves to face these trials tribules. Now that you have you know that you can face all venues with a smile. Continue to hold on to your dreams. No obstacle is too big nor too hard to accomplish. Wish you the best in your future endeavors.
Durresameen Ahmed, Baltimore, MD (Sent May 31, 2006 2:17:24 PM)
I was so glad to hear and read of your accomplishments. I hope that all the spoiled whiney kids who are complaining because they are having to drive last year's model car or don't have this week's newest cell phone will take notice of what it takes to have true integrity, courage and stamina -- all the things that the Class of 2006 of Bay High School have! Reading of your accomplishment, I am not quite so afraid to be leaving the world to this generation!
Valerie Hites, College Station, Texas (Sent May 31, 2006 3:17:41 PM)
congratulations!!!! Good Luck in the future!
Teena Moore (Sent May 31, 2006 3:23:45 PM)
This story only makes us think harder of the things we take for granted. You kids grew up fast and it will only make you stronger in the future. Keep the faith!!!My daughter is graduating from Mercy High School in Connecticut Thursday night, and not to take away from the accomplishments she acheived throughout High School, but I will be thinking and praying for all of you also as she recieves her diploma.
Greg Bereski Middletown, Ct. (Sent May 31, 2006 4:28:34 PM)
I read all these stories about the spirit of the people of the Gulf Coast. It inspires me that you haven't lost your faith. God Bless you and the Graduating Class Of 2006.
Missy Ezell,Waynesboro,Mississippi (Sent May 31, 2006 4:59:49 PM)
Congratulations to ALL of the classes of 2006 that Katrina affected. May you only have the best.
Alyssa, Houston, TX (Sent May 31, 2006 5:45:40 PM)
Congratulations to all !! Im a teacher and nothing thrills me more than to hear about students who are blazing their own trail. God bless you:-)
soulsista (Sent May 31, 2006 8:07:41 PM)
it's heartwarming to find a post with no negitive comments!.....Gooo Class of o6!
andy,ms (Sent Jun 1, 2006 7:44:47 AM)
Congratulations to our future leaders, the class of 2006. You truly have the spirit that it takes to make it though this life. May GOD bless you in your future travels and quest.
Janet Adams, Nicholasville, Kentucky (Sent Jun 1, 2006 2:44:56 PM)
Thank God these students were ABLE to graduate!!! This is the kind of spunk America is MADE of!!
Sharon Randall (Sent Jun 8, 2006 6:18:22 AM)
Sharon Randell.....dis da spunk Mississippians are made of....and we got a new crop of them now!!!...you young people go SHOW em' what ya made of!
andy,ms (Sent Jun 9, 2006 7:58:14 PM)
I am thinking about the classes of '06 everywhere that gained a few students this past year from this storm. All of you had much to overcome with all that has happened. Your story is truly an inspiring one and we all should read it to our children, and hope that they turn out to be as strong as you all have shown to be. One of my students went with his dad to a town near yours to help rebuild in October and he came back with pictures we were astounded to see. He was moved by all he saw in person. We could read it all over his face. We met many students who were moved because of the storm. Even teachers and many other people I met throughout this year have made a mark on my soul. My thoughts will be with you all as you rebuild and worry about the storms ahead. Just know that we will always remember....your stories....and we'll keep our heads bowed to the Lord everytime one enters the Gulf. We all love each of our Gulf of Mexico "favorite towns" and we hate to leave them, but when God sends the message, please keep your ears and heart open. I'll pray we never have a catastrophe like the Katrina again. Continue to dream big and try hard everyday. Your future children will be listening to the stories you tell. What did you do? God bless you all.
Heather S., Alvin, TX (Sent Jun 13, 2006 12:16:11 AM)
Congratz Students! Stay strong!
Terri Richter Kelso, Washington (Sent Jun 13, 2006 3:25:12 PM)
Way to go! I am amazed at the beauty that is shown through each resident of Bay St. Louis and Waveland. My life was blessed through the stories I encountered from individuals while serving in March. May the Lord bless you all as you begin your new adventures!
Stephanie, Laramie, WY (Sent Jul 7, 2006 2:16:38 PM)
i am a 1956 GRADUATE OF GULFPORT HIGH. THE CLASS HAS SCHEDULED OUR REUNION FOR SEPTEMBER 2006. ALL OF US ARE SO PROUD OF ALL OF YOU . WE WERE TOUGH IN 1956 ALL OF YOU ARE STILL TOUGH NOW.
CAROLYN FINCH BALTIMORE MD (Sent Jul 30, 2006 12:36:59 PM)
As a Graduating Senior of the class of 2006 from Bay High.....I just wanted to say thanks...this year was such a whirlwind...we were so afraid that we wouldn't get a chance to graduate at home. It was a proud and memorable moment and i'm so glad that you all took the time to notice us...it really has made us feel special.
Heather Jeanfreau, Bay Saint Louis, MS (Sent Jul 31, 2006 3:27:42 PM)
The dress of graduated girls are looks really great i love these dresses and when the day come when in convocation our names were called that moment we cant say in words that how happy on that day
Shaina (Sent Sep 30, 2007 7:24:17 PM)
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