“Where did the time go?” Parents across Northeast Georgia are asking that rhetorical question as they watch their ‘babies’ graduate.
For all the excitement, relief, and anticipation that graduation brings, it is bittersweet. Hearts swell with pride over children’s accomplishments, but they also break, just a little, reflecting on the passage of time.
Such was the case for Steve Fowler on Thursday as he watched his son, Grey, walk down the halls of his old elementary school in Habersham County. Grey, who along with over 400 classmates will graduate tonight from Habersham Central High School, was one of 37 seniors who returned to Fairview Elementary School for a senior parade. Dressed in their caps and gowns, they passed through the halls they once frequented as a new generation of elementary students, their former teachers, and school staff cheered and applauded them.
Senior parades have become an annual tradition in Habersham’s eight public elementary schools. It brings the academic experience full circle for seniors while also hopefully serving to inspire younger students to stay in school. For parents like Steve and Melanie Fowler, it is a walk down memory lane.
“13 years ago, my wife and I walked a small boy into his first day of Kindergarten at Fairview. Today, I watched with pride as he took one last step into the school where he received the majority of his learning,” Steve said.
Like so many other proud parents who will fill Raider Stadium in Mt. Airy for graduation, the Fowlers will find themselves cheering on their son from the stands. And though a tinge of sadness over bygone childhood days will likely tug at their hearts, their hearts will be full of gratitude and hope.
“I am thankful to all the teachers and staff, not just at Fairview, but North Hab, the 9th Grade Academy, and Habersham Central, who helped turn him into the young man he is today. I want him to know above all that the world is his for the taking, and he has our full support in everything that comes next.”
