Adventures await class of 2014

The older I get, the quicker time seems to pass.

If it weren’t for the fact that my kids are nearing high school graduation age, I would swear that I had accepted my own diploma just a few short years ago. But the truth is it was several decades ago.

Although the specifics of the ceremony have faded a bit, there are standout moments from my years in high school that I’m sure are similar to those of Boulder City High’s class of 2014.

I remember how scary it was those first few days, learning my way around campus, figuring out teachers’ expectations and meeting new people.

It was also a time for forging good friendships and renewing old ones. The high school I attended was filled with students from several nearby junior high schools. Fortunately, I had attended elementary school with some of them.

How lucky Boulder City kids are that they are able to remain friends with the same group throughout their school years. These are the types of friendships that last a lifetime.

There were a few standout teachers who somehow made learning tough subjects enjoyable. My American history teacher, for example, would often dress in period costume or have us re-enact key moments in history.

Then there was an English teacher who was loud and had a gruff and tough demeanor — or at least tried to make freshman fear him. In reality, we lovingly called him “Big A” and the only thing he was tough on was getting us to do our assignments on time and to the best of our ability.

My Spanish teacher could be like a “toro” in china shop, but at the end of the year we could carry on a conversation in a language other than our native tongue. She was my teacher for all three years of high school and by the time my final year ended, I was able to read great works of Spanish literature and understand them well enough to write college-level essays about them.

Naturally, I remember my journalism instructor fondly. After all, working on the school newspaper, The Monroe Doctrine, was an integral part of my education.

I also recall the many extracurricular activities: serving on the student council, running for class offices, attending athletic competitions, being involved with on-campus clubs and helping with special events.

My senior year especially was filled with activities. There was senior spirit week, homecoming, American Field Service international carnival, musicals, concerts, band and orchestra performances, field trips, awards night and the prom, where I crowned the prom king.

At times, it seemed that going to classes interfered with the fun I was having.

Of course, there were a few nonsanctioned pranks, too — toilet papering the dean’s house, letting mice loose in the library and putting the Bob’s Big Boy statue on top of a covered walkway. (I can’t — and won’t — take responsibility for all of these pranks. Even after all these years, and although I’m sure the school officials have long since retired, I don’t want to betray anyone.)

These are memories I treasure.

I hope this year’s graduating class was fortunate enough to make some lasting memories. Use them as a foundation to build more. Although it may not seem like it now, high school is just a blip on your time line. There is so much more living, learning and exploring to do.

Today, on the eve of their graduation, I wish the best for Boulder City High School’s class of 2014. Savor the moment. Make it part of your memory book.

I know it can be scary to leave the safe confines of the school environment behind, but I promise exciting adventures await. Good luck.