Much more in store for the Class of 2004

By Rev. JUSTIN KOLLMEYER
Conributing Writer

I simply ask you to do this: Go make the world a better place “out there” as you made it a better place among us while you were here.

Each year they come. Each May they go. Each commencement they move up and out. Each graduation night they close a brilliant and fulfilling chapter and open a promising and hope-filled new one.

They’re our brightest and best. They’re the pride and glue of our community. They’re the children we raised. They’re the students we taught. They’re the kids we love. They’re the “dear little ones” for whom we’ve prayed. They’re the joy of our past and the meaning of our future. They’re our splendid shooting stars.

They are “The Graduates.” This year called “of 2004.” And we rise to salute them for who they are and what they’ve accomplished already in their few short years.

Thank you, Class of 2004, for making our Southside of Atlanta a much better place to live, a much better place to live together in the true spirit of community.

I personally have known so many of you. I’ve seen you grow. I’ve seen you grow up. I’ve seen you in your classrooms, some from kindergarten on. We’ve been on field trips together. I’ve coached you in youth sports. I’ve heard your concerts and watched your games and performances. I’ve noticed your maturing process many times when you had no idea whatsoever that anyone was paying any attention to you. I have marveled at your brilliance. I’ve been astounded by your talents, skills, and abilities. I’ve enjoyed your humble spirit, and noticed your multiple random acts of kindness.

Class of 2004, you are special. Anyone who attended any of your awards ceremonies or concerts or performances will agree that you have placed your mark of blessing upon all of us who call this home.

Thank you! Bless you! We thank God for you!

And so, you’re “up and out.” Your “new chapters” are opening already in rapid-fire succession. Oh, you’ll be “back”, but it won’t ever really be the same. And I hope you’ll always know and feel that this is your home, and know that we who remain behind to live and serve here will remember you and be grateful for having shared this little corner of the world with you.

There’s so much more in store for you now. So, go conquer the world. Achieve your goals. Meet your expectations. Reach your dreams.

I simply ask you to do this: Go make the world a better place “out there” as you made it a better place among us while you were here. Bring the world toward peace. Look for the good in others. Make differences a matter of interest and intrigue and not a matter of division and strife. Look to your Maker for the purpose of your life. Look to your Savior for your example of service and sacrifice. Look to your faith for your motivation to give of yourself for an ultimate cause much bigger than your own comfort and self-gratification.

There’s so much more in store for you now. So go. And go with our blessing! But don’t forget to come back home as often as you can and kiss your momma Ð and your daddy! God loves you! And so do we!

(Pastor Kollmeyer dedicates this article to his son Andrew, who is a member of The Class of 2004, having graduated from Fayette County High School after attending kindergarten and all 12 grades in Fayette County schools. Kollmeyer is Pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, located on Ga. Highway 314 between Lowe’s and Fayette Pavilion in Fayetteville. He invites you to Sunday services at 8:15 (Outdoors 1st & 3rd Sundays), 9:30 (Contemporary), and 11:00 (Pipe Organ). For more information visit www.popdove.com or call 770-461-3403.)