R-E-S-P-E-C-T. 1st in a series of 5.

Joseph Scheets, 26, graduated this week from an adult education opportunity for adults with special needs.

There is not enough space or time for me to tell you all the positive impact these past four years have had on his life.  Suffice it to say that as his dad, I am profoundly grateful to all involved.  Check out their site: http://www.starfirecouncil.org.

I’d like to spend some time with you thinking together about each of the five sections of the graduation program.  These are Experiencing Respect, Making Choices, Sharing Places, Growing in Relationships, and Making Contributions.  The printed program for Thursday evening’s Graduation had an explanatory phrase for each one, like this:

EXPERIENCING RESPECT

Being respected by others and seen as a valued person

who has positive roles to play in your life

Three students exemplified this with their Capstone Projects.  Ronny took his interest in drumming and theater and wrote and produced  a play that was presented at the Art Museum.  Jamie’s love of clothing design led her to stage a fashion show at major mall.  Kathleen planned and coordinated the host agency’s annual meeting in a convention center.

Discovery began as they developed ideas with teams of professionals in their fields.  Elation ensued as the events came to life and were enjoyed by appreciative crowds.

The relationships between students and their “Public Allies,” seasoned professionals in the respective fields with whom they worked, were clearly ones of deep and shared respect.  Their brief speeches and videos showed this, and it was powerfully moving.

More than an award for trying, more than applause for presence, these Capstones represented the realization of dreams.  Doors were discovered, knocked on, opened and walked through.   These Projects serve as introductions to the next chapter in each student’s life.

How about you today?  Who gets your respect?  Who plays a positive role in your life?

Do they know it?

Today’s a good day to let some people know how much you appreciate the value they bring to your life.

Tell them.

Do that, and I’ll see you back here soon.