During the last ten years that assemblies were held in crowded Holland Auditorium, a simple, paper sign taped over the stage read "TOGETHER". Tuesday's assembly was the last time that this year's incarnation of Proctor was together.

It was a poignant moment, because this has been a very good year, and good years are defined by good kids and good relationships. Next year may be good, or great, but it won't be like this year, because we define ourselves in human terms, and people will be gone; others will come.

Our final moments appropriately included dance.

It is a time of completion and termination and saying good-bye. When you have taught for thirty-three years, and you are teaching your final class, you have the right to elevate the lesson and focus on things that really matter, like the scent of lilacs. And good coffee.

Seniors are approaching the end and the beginning. They enjoyed some great barbecue at an "Almost An Alum" dinner held up at Bradley Lake's Bluewater Farm.

This was an opportunity to meet a few dedicated alumni, learn how to use the website to network and stay in touch, and consider the transition that is under way.

Caroline Heatley offered a few words and identified some highly successful recent graduates who discovered their passions at Proctor.

At our final assembly together, Mike urged students to thank those who made a difference in their lives here. Some heard him.