Mowgli Graduates! Hallelujah!

Did you hear those sighs of relief? Mowgli graduated from high school. There were two commencements: public high school and county technical school. Neither would have happened in isolation, the high school course qualifying him for the tech school, the tech school feeding his soul to survive the academics.

We can’t say enough good things about West-Mec. As Mowgli learned trade skills, he grew in confidence, highly commended by his teacher, energized to complete his dreaded math courses. The excitement in the auditorium hosting the recognition ceremony, honoring almost 400 students, was palpable, exceeding that at the high school commencement a week ago. Many testimonies were shared, young people giving up who found hope and direction in a non-traditional option.

Weeks ago Mowgli declared he didn’t want a party. Misha made it clear that there was to be a party. It wasn’t really for him. It is for all of us who have been doing our best to be sure he made it through.

I honor him and all those who work hard to make it not to valedictorian, or honor society, or even the top 50%, but to make it through. We don’t know where Mowgli would have been academically without the burden of ADHD. He has always demonstrated high intelligence. When his speech was evaluated as an unintelligible three-year-old, he came out at the top in language, ahead of his articulation.

We know this isn’t the end of our support for him. Prayers are unceasing. But it is a significant milestone, assuring that he owns skills to survive, show compassion and generosity, and be happy. Isn’t that what every parent wants?