Preserving Great Traditions

I recently learned of discussion that has emerged among Lake Wales High School seniors over the venue for the 2012 graduation. The essence of the discussion seems to center around the cost of having the graduation at Bok Tower Gardens. Now, if you have ever attended a graduation at Bok Tower you clearly know why that location has been a favorite spot for the event during the past eight years. Majestic is probably the most fitting word for the experience, especially if your precious child was an honored participant in the ceremony.

Like anything, there’s more to having the graduation at Bok Tower Gardens than what meets the eye. For example, in order to provide seating for last year’s invited guest including parents, siblings, and others who attended, it cost approximately $6,112. Graduation memorabilia such as tassels, cords, medallions, Bachelor’s hoods, etc., cost nearly $2,740. To rent the beautiful Gardens, another $4,000 was paid. An event of this scale required ample law enforcement, for all of the obvious reasons, which increased the cost by another $1,823. The sound system and printing added $2,827.  Finally, when miscellaneous items such as catering and transportation are added, at a cost of $1,983, you realize an event such as this is not cheap. The total cost of the 2011 graduation was a whopping $19,483. Wow! Preserving great tradition can be a costly endeavor.

Now, what is the true value of preserving such a wonderful tradition as conducting Lake Wales High School graduation at Bok Tower Gardens? As superintendent of Lake Wales Charter Schools, I have had the privilege of participating in the graduation the past four years. With the exception of the “rain out” two years ago, I have marveled at how majestic the event has been on the Bok Tower site. Seeing more than 250 graduating seniors coming down the hill with the tower in the background is a sight to behold. I believe the garden setting adds dignity and weight to the occasion, and encourages members of our community to attend the event. This ceremony may be the most inspirational and beautiful high school graduation in the State of Florida.

Henry David Thoreau once said “Since most of us spend our lives doing ordinary tasks, the most important thing is to carry them out extraordinarily well.” For nearly a decade, the individuals responsible for organizing Lake Wales High School graduations have put forth an extraordinary effort to elevate the status of the event. Hundreds of LWHS seniors can boast that they are among the few who have drawn such a venue to conclude the most important culminating event in the history of their education.  My hope for the 2012 graduating class is that their collective effort will result in the preservation of this great tradition.

Sincerely,

Jesse L. Jackson
Superintendent of Schools