Editor, Gazette-Journal:

My wife Betty Lombard and I have not been to a high school commencement exercise since 1996. We did not realize that we, plus our sons Joey and Chris and Joey’s wife, Megan, were in for a very pleasant and inspirational experience. We were present because our 18-year-old granddaughter Kali Lombard plus others were graduating.

The program was well thought out and its many components made it worthy of the participants. The Gloucester band added melody, direction and inspiration. The chorus beautifully vocalized the school’s identity. The soloist who sang the National Anthem, Rebecca Clubb, made you proud to be an American. The speeches by Chris Morgan, senior class president, Kevin Speray; salutatorian, and James Weisel, valedictorian, were all personal and philosophical while delivering a mature message about their experiences and what was and is important. As adults, we gained insight from their messages. It was heartwarming to witness Dr. Bev...