Punahou Graduation, 2009

The main floor view wasn't as good as from the upper level.

My nephew (who is also my godson) was graduating from Punahou School, my own alma mater. We arrived 90 minutes early so we could get seats together on the main floor. Blaisdell Arena was half filled with other early attendees, many of whom looked bored after a few minutes. But not me. It was the first Punahou graduation ceremony I had attended since my own. I reveled in reverie, and time quickly passed.

Spotting a pair of classmates a few rows in front, I had to look twice. We've all changed a bit over the decades, but in their case there wasn't much doubt who they were. They had been married for many years, and it's easier to identify a couple than an individual. They asked when and if I was returning permanently to the Islands. I said that we're certainly thinking about it since in a few years we'll turn 60 and only have the energy for one more move. (You don't have to be reticent about revealing your age to your high school chums.)

The ceremony began promptly at 8 PM with Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance. At most high school graduations only the familiar stately march is played, but the orchestra was up to the task of playing the first allegro section. Our orchestra, led by Peter Mesrobian, was pretty good, but these young musicians were better.

The program lasted two hours, with half the time being spent on the awarding of the diplomas. Speeches alternated with songs, and this year's seniors were musically talented, as indeed all classes are. There was a lot of chest-thumping about how the Class of 2009 would forever be linked with the historic Inauguration of a Buffanblu alumnus, but since such an occurrence is unlikely to happen ever again, they were entitled.

A bit strange was an extended future history by the principal and two teachers on eight (? - I lost count) hypothetical members of the graduating class. They forecasted great charitable works, entertainment awards, technological breakthroughs, and any number of great accomplishments. Far more riveting--and delicate, to be sure--would have been the life stories of real alumni and alumnae.

After the ceremony the crowd left the arena to congratulate the graduates. Amidst the joyful cacophony and camera flashes there were tears as well.