Inspired by Pecha Kucha, I wrote the following poem for graduation spring 2010. You can follow along each verse with a photo in the slideshow.
Every single senior is graduating this year
In a crowd of competitors we have no peers
High school was a marathon, but we won’t stop
Even Obama said we’re on top
We elevated the game, yea, we got it on lock
Kerrick, get out the fire hose, cause MetWest is HOT!
Some of us were blind, they couldn’t see
MetWest didn’t feel like the school they wanted it to be
They left us thinking they could be free
Climbed to the skyline and wanted it to be
But up in the hills the elevation did show
What the rest of us down below already did know
Only trees rooted in community can flourish and grow
From orientation we planted the seeds
Watered these values to build communities
All 9th graders shared in a pair
None could know what the future would bear
They revealed fears of failure and hopes to succeed
Even before they knew the meaning of MED
But before they could sit before you today
Flip their tassels and say hip hop hooray
Each of them had to dig really deep
Explore their passions and take a great leap
But with the guidance of the senior institute
They interviewed mentors and flossed in their suits
Somehow they managed to get LTI’s
Young interns accustomed to cuss words, fights, and lies
It’s so true what they say about raising a child
Without a village of love they can grow to be wild
It’s unbelievable what mentors have been through
Thanks for everything we are indebted to you
At internships they learned to be in the world of real
Back in advisory some days they could hardly deal
You might see smiling faces in this photo here
Let me tell you what happens during the rest of the year
They fought each other over who was the best
Four years later they all became valedictorians at MetWest
They came to us from every nation, color, and block
Have pride in your roots, that’s some real talk
Whether you are black, brown or Nicaraguense
Grab hands with your brothers and sisters and stand up for the la gente
Because we all face oppression in our lives
With a family like this we can survive and thrive
Oh no! What happened here in this slide?
Roberto Zavala… dead or alive?
Relax, relax. It’s exhibition time at MetWest
Students show their best learning, that’s a real test
They presented four times a year
Their fears of public speaking slowly disappeared
You’ve heard about exhibition, internship, and advisory
But we all know that without parents none of this could be
You’ve held it down through the good, bad and ugly
I had to call you when your child mean-mugged me
Thankfully we had our good times to celebrate
Let’s put on our stunna shades, Najla, you look great!
Students, you know, MetWest can be stressful
Retreats are a way to escape the hustle and bustle
One thing’s for sure, class of 2010 knows how to have fun
With water balloons everyone is wet before it’s done
You all might think that you had the last laugh
But I promise you as your advisor there’s one more water bath!
Whether you were in this slideshow or not
As a graduating student from MetWest you have earned your spot
When I look back on the years, my eyes get misty
You’ve grown into the young adults I wished you to be
You were once lost looking up 511.org for direction
You’re leaders now, Oakland’s sweet perfection!
