Graduation Day – Marist High School, June 7, 2025

Today I graduated.

Caps, gowns, folding chairs on the football field—check. Speeches about change and bright futures—check. Sun beating down, awkwardly holding my diploma while trying not to overthink how to walk across a stage—check.

I thought I’d cry. I didn’t. Not out of cold-heartedness or anything—it just felt like something I’d already processed. Like finishing a long book and quietly closing the cover. Not dramatic. Just… done.

Still, it meant something to look up and see everyone there. People who’ve known me in different ways, showing up in theirs.

Brielle was glowing. She was so excited to be there, dressed up and cheering like the whole event was for her to celebrate ME—and maybe it kind of was. Grandma Marcia sat calmly, watching everything with her usual composed grace. Brandon was steady and cool as ever, and Dad—he actually said he was proud of me. Out loud. That stuck with me more than I expected.

Stephen made his rounds, trying to keep the awkward silences at bay, and Katrina stood silently nearby like a grounding presence from another planet. And Mom... I could feel a lot in her today. Holding emotion tightly, trying to balance pride with everything else that lives underneath it. And I just want to say… I saw it. All of it. Even if I didn’t know how to say so.  I love you Mom...and everyone else is ok too.

Piper and Stella were a whirlwind. They screamed when my name was called, wrapped me in sweaty hugs, and insisted on selfies in the worst lighting imaginable. But they’ve been there through everything, and I wouldn’t have wanted to turn that tassel without them nearby.  

There will be photos. Some sweet, some weird, probably one where I look like I’m mid-sneeze. But what I’ll remember most is the quiet that came after. Not a sad quiet—just a still one. Like, yeah. That part’s over.  ....And then we ate cheeseburgers!

What’s next? Who knows. But something’s waiting, and honestly… I’m curious and ready. Maybe I’ll change the world. Maybe I’ll just eat a really good sandwich. Either way, things are looking up.

— Jada 🎓

PS 5 BIG booms.