Day 1470

The Anoka High School Class of 2026 is graduating tonight at historic Goodrich Field. For Charlie and Hank, it will be their first chance to watch the processional! For me, it will be WAY more than that!

I can honestly remember snippets from my own! As Anoka continues the long tradition of holding the ceremony outside, my mind flows back over sweet memories of walking down to the field the night of my own graduation. I remember the bittersweet feeling of endings and beginnings.

That field also holds memories of my childhood…

The field, once a pond, would flood “back in the day.” After a heavy rain and a horrible drainage system, my mom took us down to walk through water up to our knees! I was probably about six, but can vividly remember the feeling of awe as we waded through the field.

Often, our neighborhood gang would climb the fence to run on the track (When they put the artificial turf in, the track disappeared). When we were good and tired, we would climb the old cement steps and crawl under the press box supports to cool off.

There was an “event” when my dear Marlene’s clothing got tangled up in the barbed wire that rolled along the top of the fence. After laughing so hard, I couldn’t even help her down, we decided to use the “dugout tunnel” some other Anoka kids had excavated to gain entrance. Good times!

Later in life, after my own children arrived, we would sponsor a team for “Relay For Life” at the field. With tents set up in our front yard, groups of us would go down and walk for an hour until the next group tagged us out. Luminaries lit our way and soft music played. It was a beautiful experience in support of cancer research and those who had passed from the disease. A huge breakfast was served at The Big White House for all those who participated on our team.

I could reminisce for a long time. However, it is getting close to the time when the multitudes of graduates will arrive to walk onto that same field. They might not have any of the memories that reside in my heart, but they will feel those

bittersweet feelings as they receive that diploma. Endings and beginnings…a bit out of order, but meaningful and exciting!

I am so glad that Anoka High still holds their graduation at the field! Tradition is amazing!