Dateline Normal: "The Graduation"-------FICTION

Recently we in Evansville have been engaged in that month long exercise of May that is called "Awards Season"---and ..... which conveniently reaches its peak at the moment called "Graduation." It sure has evolved as a process over the last 50 years. In fact, locally, the celebration can become so intense and frenzied that it can be a serious threat to public safety. Yes. So, I thought I would just pick up the cell phone and visit a bit with Herman in Normal, Mn., that town up in the northern tundra just South of Garrison, Mn....Just a small fishing village...a getaway spot...but nevertheless a beacon of reasonablensss for the Observer.

"Herman"----How do you deal with all the frenzy of celebration that has become graduation these days? Talk to me."

"It's real simple, Wolfman (that's what he always calls me). We have just eliminated graduation."

"WHAT?", I exclaimed. "How could that be?"

"Take a moment and think a little deeper, Wolfman. Graduation is just one moment. There are many. That is the message we want to send our kids up here. We do not want to make the whole deal bigger than it is. After all, they have their whole lives ahead of them. It's not like this is the peak or anything."

"What about the graduation certificates and all. And yes, the tassels?, I asked.

"Shucks, Wolfman"----we just mail out that stuff a week before the end of school. We don't want to forget any award or recognition----

And....

After all, that week in June is the beginning of fishing season. We want to make sure to clear the decks so that we focus on the really important things....

like FISH."

WoW----what a shocking concept. Thank goodness we are back in good old Wisconsin. Where we still have a huge ceremony and celebration. Where we don't have to focus on FISH and other important things....