Mocha With Linda hosts a weekly meme called Flashback Friday. She’ll post a question every Thursday, and then Friday we can link our answers up on her site.

This week’s question is:

Tell about your senior year in high school. Were there any special traditions such as getting a senior ring? Were there lots of activities and parties as you neared graduation? Were you in any extra-curricular activities that had traditional “rites of passage” or “passing the baton” too the next class? Were awards given out – either serious or fun? Did you send out graduation announcements? Did your school have a Baccalaureate Service in addition to the graduation ceremony? If you attended church, did your church recognize/honor Seniors in any way? Did you keep your tassel – did you hang it from the mirror of your car or do something else special with it? What sorts of things did you get for graduation gifts? Was it a tradition to display the gifts in your home? Remember, the questions are just a springboard of ideas. You may answer them or just use them to get you started.

I did get a senior ring. For some forgotten reason, I got it sized for my pinkie finger, then, being normally the traditionalist that I am, I fretted over whether I should have. It stays in the jewelry box now, but I am sporting it here:

I didn’t really like my senior portraits with my little fake smile there. We went to a studio on our own rather than having a photographer come to school, and I went by myself and felt very stiff and awkward. I should have gone with my mom or a group and had more fun with it, and I think my expression would have been more natural.

I don’t remember any parties, but I do remember a group of us going out to a nice restaurant afterward. I don’t remember any passing-of-the baton type ceremonies. There was an award night, but I don’t remember what I got except that it was announced then that I was valedictorian. We only had eight in our class, so, though it was still an appreciated honor, I probably would not have fared as well in a larger class. Yes, I did send out announcements. No, I don’t remember having a Baccalaureate or our church honoring graduates, though they may have and I’ve forgotten — this was over 30 years ago!

I did keep my tassel, and it is probably in a box somewhere. I received mostly money as gifts, but also some things I’d need for college like towels and luggage.

I do remember some type of senior/faculty game — maybe a volleyball game? And I really didn’t want to play because I am so unathletic. Somehow they let me man the concession stand instead: I remember my English teacher saying I could do so because I was “all brain, no brawn.” Thanks, Mrs. S. — I think.

Our senior trip was to Six Flags Over Texas, which, by today’s standards is kind of dinky, but we thought it was fun at the time.

Mostly I remember the thrill of finally being a senior and having the end of the goal in sight that had been on the horizon most of my life.

I also wanted to let you know that I have begun hosting a meme on Mondays where we can share interesting quotes we’ve read from books, blogs, etc. It’s called The Week In Words: you can read more about it here, and I hope you’ll join us!