The Best Graduation Gifts

By Holly E. Newton

The end of the school year connotes graduation time, celebrating many different levels of school completions. Books, as always, are the perfect gift and help commemorate this important event in a young person¹s life. Here is a list of some outstanding picture books celebrating the graduate.

For the younger reader celebrating a change in schools, here is a simple tale about judgment.

Zen Shorts, by widely acclaimed author Jon J. Muth, is a story that involves three tales. Three children become friends with a giant panda. He imparts a clever story for each child. One of the tales expertly demonstrates how we need to forgive. A young monk criticizes an older monk for carrying an unappreciative traveler over rain puddles, as he says, "She didn't even thank you!" The wise older man replies, "I set the woman down hours ago." The older monk was able to forgive and forget, while the young monk was still learning this lesson of forgiveness.

Another perfect book for the younger child is This Little Light of Mine. This picture book is based on the familiar song of the same title and is illustrated beautifully by the acclaimed E. B. Lewis. The words of the song describe how the light from within will shine on and on. But, the pictures tell much, much more. A young boy sees another youngster sitting alone, appearing dejected as he is slumped with his head in his hands. As the song progresses throughout the book, the boy invites the sad fellow to join his friends and before long a smile shines through the sad face. This book will surely strike a chord with all ages!

Sometimes it's the wordless books that seem to have the greatest message. Home, by Jeannie Baker, shows the progress of life through an open window. Ms. Baker has small remnants of a girl's life on the windowsill, displaying her growth though the years. For instance, the book begins with congratulations for the birth of a baby girl. Through the window, you see the proud parents in their back yard holding this new baby. There are older looking vehicles on the street beyond the yard. Several pages later, there's the girl as a teen putting makeup on in a mirror that's sitting on the windowsill. Beyond the yard is a full garden and beyond that newer looking cars on the street. There's much to observe and reflect on one's own growth throughout the years.

Sometimes biographies are the perfect inspiration for graduates. Walt Whitman: Words for America, by Barbara Kerley, is a look into the life of one of America's best and most famous poets. His poetry reflected the feelings of our country during the tumultuous Civil War. I found it fascinating that when Walt was young, he loved words and loved to read. He was always writing down feelings and expressions in his little notebook. In the Author¹s Note located in the back of the book, he states that when he was eleven years old, he was given a library card. Later he added, it was ³...the signal event of my life up to that time." Brian Selznick beautifully illustrated the pictures throughout the book, and he studied many historical documents and locations to accurately reconstruct this amazing poet¹s life.

Here is a perfect companion to Walt Whitman¹s biography. When I Heard the Learn¹d Astronomer is a wonderfully illustrated book by Loren Long, based on Walt Whitman¹s famous poem. This poem celebrates the amazing imagination that is budding in all of us. The incredible pictures take you to a young boy's experience as he ponders life and the stars, ³In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.²

Mother Teresa, by award winning Demi, is an inspirational account of one humble woman serving those much less fortunate and extremely poor. This incredible woman gave all that she had throughout her life. Included here is wisdom that we can glean from her: ³Life Is An Opportunity --Avail It. Life Is Beautiful --Admire It. Life Is A Challenge --Meet It. Life Is Costly --Care For It. Life Is A Promise --Fulfill It. Life Is Sorrow --Overcome It. Life Is Too Precious --Do Not Destroy It.²

And lastly, here's a book celebrating and exploring the endless possibilities of life. Imagine a Day, by Sarah L. Thompson, and creatively illustrated by Rob Gonsalves, will spark your imagination --beyond imagination. ³Imagine a day Š when a book swings open on silent hinges, and a place you've never seen before welcomes you here.² Give a great gift to your graduate. Give a book to inspire, motivate and celebrate!

Visit Holly's Web Site!

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1. Southwest Virginia Community College News
Spring 2005 Graduation Photos by Angela Fuller/SVCC Alumni Office Click on thumbnail image to view a larger photo. Southwest Virginia Community College, P.O. Box SVCC, Rt. 19, 6 mi. South of Claypool ...
http://www.sw.edu/news05/graduationspring05.htm

2. Campus Corner - Bossier Parish Community College
... BPCC Apparel BPCC Caps BPCC Alumni Gifts BPCC Graduation Supplies Please view our Shopping page for ... ... your online source for Bossier Parish Community College textbooks. Our store is located on Youree ...
http://www.campuscornerinc.com/bpcc/

3. COLLEGE STUDENT: Community College; www.students.net
... college but fail to meet academic standards for attending college upon graduation from high school can use the community college system to obtain the necessary requirements to attend the college of ...
http://www.students.net/s .../communitycollege.asp

4. University of Hawaii System
... com Windward Community College hosts A Christmas Fantasy student art and craft sale, Nov. 26Äì27 and Dec.1Äì4 at Hale Palanakila. Prints, paintings, photographs, fiber art, jewelry, carvings ...
http://www.hawaii.edu/

5. Edmonds Community College: Policies, Procedures, and Records
... A student seeking graduation at Edmonds Community College must: Satisfy all college requirements, including financial obligations. Satisfy the resident credit requirement of 30 credits or one-third ...
http://policies.edcc.edu/ ...tion_Requirements.php

6. North Central College - Community College and Transfer Advisors
... students from Illinois community colleges. To schedule an ... Thats not the case at every college. Chantel did North Centrals ... and womens rights. After graduation, she hopes to work for the ...
http://www.noctrl.edu/x4380.xml

7. PCCC, Passaic County Community College, One College Boulevard, Paterson, NJ,...
... I. Fanda ADMISSION, REGISTRATION, TWO-YEAR, TWO YEARS, ACADEMIC, PCCC, PASSAIC, COUNTY, COMMUNITY, COLLEGE, STUDENT, GRADUATE, GRADUATION, PATERSON, NEW JERSEY, NJ, SCHOOL, INFORMATION, EDUCATION, ESL ...
http://www.pccc.edu/

8. Roxbury Community College - Gateway to The Dream.
... of 30 credits at Roxbury Community College . Meet all outstanding financial and other obligations to the College . Students who expect to graduate must apply for graduation at the Registrar's Office ...
http://www.rcc.mass.edu/S_Services/Graduation.html

9. Graduation - Normandale Community College
... during the semester in which you plan to finish your coursework at Normandale Community College. Applying for graduation is not difficult, but you will need to complete a bit of paperwork ...
http://www.normandale.mns ...nt/?choice=graduation

10. Pueblo Community College
... Career, and Transfer Community Education Computer Lab College Closures Degrees Degree ... ... Financial Aid Fitness Center Forms Foundation Graduation Honors Program IDs International Students ...
http://www.pueblocc.edu/

11. Coastline Community College - Navy College Program
... Drop Request Form 22. NAVY Graduation pictures 23. Student ... is also available at the Navy College Program Web site at https ... navy.mil. Coastline Community College Military Programs ...
http://mil.ccc.cccd.edu/navy.htm

12.
... Student Information Menu General Information Graduation Parking Prior Learning Assessment Support ... ... IN 47404 voice: 812-332-1559 toll free: 866-447-0700 © 2005 Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
http://www.bloomington.iv ...ices/graduation.shtml

13. Mt. San Antonio College
ALUMNI CURRENT STUDENTS COMMUNITY ED NEW STUDENTS STUDENT SERVICES MT. SAC HOME Page Not Found The ... ... link, please send an e-mail message to the College Webmaster. Contact Info Feedback Security ...
http://hr.mtsac.edu/404.html

14. Terra Community College - About-graduation
TERRA COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMENCEMENT - 2005 Here are some pictures from the Terra Community College Commencement, June 10, 2005 Jump To... Academic Calendar Admissions Office Advising Apply Online ...
http://www.terra.edu/abou ...ntlife/graduation.asp

15. Ohlone College, A World of Cultures United in Learning, Fremont, East Bay, C...
... Ohlone College 43600 Mission Boulevard P. O. Box 3909 Fremont, CA 94539-0390 (510) 659-6000 Maps, Directions, Newark Sites, Foundation, Bookstore A-Z Index Search Campus Directory Newark Sites Ohlone ...
http://www.ohlone.edu/

16. Graduation : Enrollment & Financial Aid : GateWay Community College
... Application for Graduation To view Acrobat (pdf) files you'll need to download Acrobat Reader. Faculty & Staff Disability Resources Legal Notice Site Map GateWay Community College info@gatewaycc ...
http://enroll.gatewaycc.edu/Enrollment/Graduation/

17. Edmonds Community College: Commencement
... z index | search Home > Commencement > Graduation 02 03 > Commencement Home Commencement 04 ... ... 2003 2002-03: A Quick Look at Edmonds Community College This year 1,767 degrees and certificates ...
http://commencement.edcc.edu/_graduation_02_03/

18. Florida Monitor:Progress Report: Community College Budget Incentives and Int...
The Florida Legislature Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability Progress Report: Community College Budget Incentives and Interagency Articulation Improve, But Graduation Rates ...
http://www.oppaga.state.f ...rts/educ/r01-30s.html

19. Academic Policies - Southwestern Community College, Sylva, NC
... of services responsive to the communitys needs. Concurrent ... the Huskins Program ï take college-level courses at a ... school courses that, upon graduation, earn college credit ...
http://www.southwesterncc ...academic-policies.htm

20. Lake City Community College
... 6.2 © 2004 Lake City Community College Please contact webmaster@lakecitycc.edu to report any problems Links for non java capable or text only browsers Calendars - Distance Learning - Employment ...
http://www.lakecitycc.edu/services/registration/

21. Pima Community College : Graduation
... Courses & Degrees Campuses & Centers About Pima Student Resources Community Resources Businesses Foundation & Alumni Graduation ª Student Resources ª Academic Support ª Graduation This year's ...
http://www.pima.edu/admissions/graduation/

22. Shoreline Community College
... Application for Graduation - (Certificate of Proficiency) Requires Free PDF viewer from www.adobe.com ---Contact Us | Accreditation Statement ---© 2005 Shoreline Community Collegeô ------16101 ...
http://elmo.shore.ctc.edu/catdegrees.html

23. Lassen Community College - Jr College in Susanville, Ca, ** Gunsmithing, Nur...
... week of the semester of graduation and must have their program approved by the evaluation counselor. Petitions are located in the counseling office. Lassen Community College © 2005 Lassen Community ...
http://www.lassencollege. ...ationinformation.html

24. Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
... December graduate candidates MUST complete a graduation application available at the Registrar's ... ... 753-5102 Wabash 277 N. Thorne St. 260-563-8828 Home Page © 2005 Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
http://www.ivytech.edu/kokomo/graduation.html

25. Iowa Lakes Community College Graduation Application
... address listed at the bottom. Application for Graduation Date: Email Address: Name (as you want it to ... ... electronically, or by mail, to: Iowa Lakes Community College Records 3200 College Drive Emmetsburg, IA ...
http://www.iowalakes.edu/ ...ation_application.htm

26. Community College Research Center: Home
... An Analysis of Community College Graduation Rates Over the last decade, policymakers, educators, and researchers have increasingly sought to understand community college policies and practices that ...
http://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/

27. Welcome to the University of Kentucky
* * More News * Campus News * Events ªSilas Houseís First Play to Premiere at UK * ªFour Professors ...
http://www.uky.edu/

28. Parkland College home page
... Safety Catalog Class Schedule Community Education Employee Resources ... Parkland Calendar Parkland College " 2400 West Bradley Ave ... Aid Grades Graduates Graduation Procedures Honors Program ...
http://www.parkland.edu/

29. Johnston Community College - Attendance Regulation
... in the program at Johnston Community College. It is anticipated ... obligations owed to the College. Have filed with the ... semester. To be eligible for graduation from a certificate program ...
http://www.johnstoncc.edu ...ces/academic/grad.htm

30. Community Colleges - transfer student - four year college search
... He or she can help you meet your community college's graduation requirements and prepare for transfer -- with maximum credit -- into the college and major you want. No matter how clearly the course ...
http://www.collegeboard.c ...868,4-21-0-36,00.html

31. North Hennepin Community College : Nursing - Graduation Requirements
... NHCC Academics Admissions Calendars Culture & Community Student Resources & Services Quick Links ... ... Evening / Weekend Nursing Graduation Requirements Completion of all College requirements for the ...
http://www.nhcc.edu/nursi ...y.cfm?article=1000428

32. John Tyler Community College
... All graduation honors reflect all course work attempted at John Tyler Community College. This includes courses that may not be used in satisfying specific graduation requirements. Maintained by ...
http://www.jtcc.vccs.edu/onlineadmis/GradReq

33. Coffeyville Community College - Degrees and Graduation Requirements
... at Coffeyville Community College. Students must complete a grade/degree check in the Registrarís Office at the beginning of their final semester to insure all graduation requirements will be ...
http://www.ccc.cc.ks.us/academics/degrees.htm

34. Mesa Community College
... Started ï Prepare for Graduation ï Student Handbook Home > ... students, and first generation college students to be successful in ... 480 461 7000 © 2005-2006 Mesa Community College. All Rights Reserved.
http://web.mc.maricopa.edu/students/

35. Dominican College
... Company " on October 21.(more) Is Dominican College right for you? Find out about our courses for ... ... DELL - Personal Purchases Directions Graduation Photos 2003 Human Resources Info Sessions ...
http://www.dc.edu/

36. SportsbookBookie.com - Sports Betting and Wagering | Online football gambling
... View Betting Lines NFL College Football MLB College Basketball National Hockey League NBA Boxing Golf Tennis Soccer NASCAR Formula 1 Motocross Special Props CASINO We offer our members fast payouts ...
http://www.sportsbookbookie.com/

37. Sussex County Community College >> General Information >> Directions
... Dropping & Adding Forms Graduation Immunization Transcripts ... Road, First right onto College Hill. Area Map Campus Map ... The Alliance for Corporate & Community Education, Athletic Offices ...
http://www.sussex.edu/gen ...mation/directions.htm

38. Graduation Update
... August and December 2005 Graduates and Candidates for May 2006 Graduation Information coming Spring 2006! If you have any questions concerning graduation activities, feel free to contact the ...
http://www.bluegrass.kctcs.edu/LCC/REG/grad.htm

39. Arizona Community College Tools
... Project MCCCD/ASU ALLIANCE New Guidelines for Graduation with Academic Recognition Plus-Minus Grading ... ... Academic Transfer Articulation Office Community College Tools Select your community college to ...
http://www.asu.edu/provos ...ulation/commcoll.html

40. Welcome to Chesapeake College
... Office Tuition & Fees WebCT Community and Special Events Go to ... Foundation College Foundation College Profile Consumer Information ... Web Pages Financial Aid Graduation Application Higher ...
http://www.chesapeake.edu/

41. MVCC Professional Association
... level with American Federation of Teachers (Affiliate #2839) Welcome to the Mohawk Valley Community College Professional Association's website. The Professional Association (PA) is the sole ...
http://www.mvccpa.org/

42. Southern State Community College
Disclosure of Institutional Graduation/Completion and Transfer-out Rates 2000-2001 Cohort Southern State Community College is pleased to provide the following information regarding our institutionís ...
http://www.sscc.edu/Gener ...n_rate_disclosure.htm

43. the-net-source.com | Netsource
the-net-source.com HOME Main Categories ª Netsource Bookmark this Page Related Topics Popular ...
http://www.the-net-source.com/

44. Corning Community College Training Programs
... New York state public schools. Corning Community College, situated on top of Spencer Hill ... ... attention and instruction so that upon graduation from CCC they will be fully prepared to work ...
http://www.nyedinterp.net/CP.html

45. St. Johns River Community College
... to order cap/gown for annual graduation November 24 & 25 ... student balances ranch and college... >> Registration ... information! ST. JOHNS RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE Palatka - St ...
http://www.sjrcc.cc.fl.us/

46. Los Medanos College
... List Procedures WebAdvisor Brentwood Center College Catalog Department Listing (a-z) Online ... ... Programs & Services Financial Assistance Graduation Information Scholarships Student Handbook ...
http://www.losmedanos.edu/

47. New River Community College | Student Services | Graduation Information
... of NRCC catalog used for graduation. Semester and year ... must be acquired at the college awarding the degree. List ... Information: New River Community College P.O. Box 1127 Dublin ...
http://www2.nr.edu/students/graduation.asp

48. ABC 7 News - Gang Fears Keep Student From Graduation
... Gang Fears Keep Student From Graduation wjla.com web by News ...
http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0606/333801.html

49. Langara College Home Page
... College Calendar Registration Community Report Continuing Studies ... Cafeteria & Catering CILS College Board Computing Services ... Services Forms online Graduation How to Apply Information ...
http://www.langara.bc.ca/

50. Transfer Services at Mesa Community College
... CAS | College Search | Visiting University Dates | Applying to ASU, NAU & UA | College Links | Graduation | MCC Home| MCC Red Mountain Copyright ©2003, Mesa Community College. All rights reserved.
http://www.mc.maricopa.ed ...dittransfer/grad.html

51. Edmonds Community College Store - Graduation
... Graduation Graduation ª Caps & Gowns | Graduate Gift Ideas Graduation To see the program and images from previous Edmonds Community College Commencement Ceremonies, click here! Give Your Graduation ...
http://bookstore.edcc.edu ...xVY2+swa3N9acK7Hv8%0a

52. Green River Community College
... and will be available at the cash register. Graduation announcements, thank you cards, and seals ... ... on: 04/07/2005 Copyright© 2005 Green River Community College. All rights reserved. ContactSitemap
http://www.greenriver.edu ...ation information.htm

53.

54. Requirements for Graduation at Durham Technical Community College
... pay an $18 fee for their caps, tassels, gowns, and graduation announcements. This fee is subject to change. Search Durham Technical Community College 1637 Lawson Street Durham, NC 27703 919-686-3300 ...
http://www.durhamtech.edu ...ective/graduation.htm

55. Stanly Community College
... LRC) Crutchfield Student Services Academics Academics Academic Advising Application for Graduation (PDF form) Drop/Add Form (PDF form) Grade Reports Graduation Requirements Withdrawing from ...
http://www.stanly.edu/Stu ...ervices/academics.htm

56. Metropolitan Community College of Omaha, Nebraska
... Basic Education Program Graduation Photo Gallery International ... Board of Governors Catalog College Councils Dining Services ... WebAdvisor Business and Community Skip business and community ...
http://www.mccneb.edu/

57. Pierce College
... for Classes Fees / Refunds Transcripts Grades Graduation Honors Transfer Program FAQs Registration ... ... site for Pierce College. The college is a dynamic force in our community and this site hopes to keep ...
http://www.piercecollege.edu/