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. Montebello High School | Activities
... THURSDAY) 6/9 CAP & GOWN DISTRIBUTION {1 PM ... SPECTACULAR {AFTER SCHOOL-GYM- 2 PM} (THURSDAY ... PRACTICE AT 9:00 AM. GRADUATION {HEAMAN FIELD} 6:00 ... Calendar Montebello High School 2100 West ...
http://www.mhs.montebello ...Senior Activities.htm

2. Graduation Cap, Gown, Tassel for Kindergarten, Preschool,Junior High, High S...
http://www.herff-jones.com/capgown/

3. Just here High school graduation announcements
... wearing your gown? of the or Kingdom would she amused Troy close to the before they Whitman always withdrew from such a With the Russians it neuer shewe Copyright high school graduation announcements ...
http://high-school-gradua ...ouncements.gypb.info/

4. Damascus High School
... HIGH SCHOOL Damascus High School Home of the Swarmin ... rep (301)519-9694 Cap and Gown order $25.00 Invitations and ... supplied by contributions. Graduation date is set by the school ...
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us ...sinfo/2006/index.shtm

5. Schurz High School
... Folders, Sheet Music, Gown Rental, Contest Fee ... REQUIRED SCHURZ SCHOOL LOCK $ 10.00 REQUIRED ... Juniors, and Seniors GRADUATION FEE $ 30.00 Senior ... Fax: (773) 534-3573 Copyright © Schurz High School
http://www.schurzhs.org/school_fees.jsp

6. Port St. Joe High School Class of 2005 - official website - Port St. Joe, Gu...
... m. (Wear your cap and gown) May 23rd - *Graduation at 7 p.m. (Wear your cap and gown) May 23rd- Project Graduation 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. *Dress for senior guys: wear your Sunday best, dress shoes ...
http://www.psj2005.com/news.cfm?ID=6

7. Bayside High School | Student Life
... 00 Senior Dues Senior dues include yearbook, video yearbook, cap and gown, graduation tickets and expenses, awards night, diploma case, senior picnic, senior class gift, and senior memorabilia. Cost ...
http://www.baysidehighschool.org/studentlife.html

8. BlackMountainNews.com - Red carpet fashion for the Owen High School prom
... s ball dress. One woman wore a pure white ball gown and a tiara. Another woman dressed in a tuxedo ... ... evening and another step towards high school graduation and adulthood. If anything this year ...
http://www.blackmountainn ...ry_id=874&format=html

9. Servite High School
... Filing Period 12:00 AM: Senior Graduation Announcements/Cap and Gown Orders 09:00 AM: Thanksgiving ... ... 30, 2005 UC/CSU Filing Period 06:00 PM: Tri-School Theatre Winter Show Auditions © Servite High School
http://www.servitehs.org/ ...events/index.jsp?id=0

10. us air force medal
... young boy, in his high school graduation gown, wearing his US Air Force uniform during a ... the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Good Conduct Medal, the Global ... Military briefs SunHerald.com ...
http://searchpow.com/subp ...s_air_force_medal.php

11. Strathcona High School » Graduation
... Fees include rental of a grad gown and stole, a memento cap and ... cheque payable to: Strathcona High School Details: Family and ... The school, through the work of the Graduation Executive ...
http://strathconachs.com/students2.php?p=151

12. Dover High School School Store
... during lunch periods every school day. You can reach us by telephone at 603-516-6994 Graduation Products Information Caps and Gowns are ordered in November. A cap and gown is ordered for every member ...
http://www.dover.k12.nh.u ...toredhsstorehome.html

13. Men's Clothes - Other Men's Clothes items
... 1.00 Jostens High School Graduation Gown- Royal Blue $1.04 Men 2 pc Salwar kameez M Indian Kurta Ethnic cotton $2.99 AUTHENIC VINTAGE WOOL SAILOR SHIRT L@@K $1.99 Outter Banks 2 Men's Medium Turquoise ...
http://www.idiscountcloth ...lothes-items_25.shtml

14. Graduation i : High School Graduation Gifts
... Graduations Football Graduation Rates Georgia High School Graduation Test Good Graduation Songs ... ... Graduation Barbie Graduation Cakes Graduation Cap And Gown Graduation Caps Graduation Caps And ...
http://graduationi.com/hi ...uationgifts/index.php

15.
... Upon completion, students receive a high school diploma at a formal graduation ceremony held in June, complete with cap and gown. Graduates from the adult school range in age from 18 to 70+! High ...
http://schools.fsusd.k12. ...adult/High_School.htm

16. high school cap and gowns information
... Graduation Cap, Gown, Tassel for Kindergarten, Preschool, Junior High, High School, and College by Collegiate Cap & Gown high school graduation,college,cap and gown,kindergarten,graduation preschool ...
http://www.x-clothes.info ...ol-cap-and-gowns.html

17. Gift Ideas for Graduation from High School plus information and links to add...
... Glad Grad Mug and Cap Cap & Gown Graduation Frame c * More Gift ... Ideas * Perfect Gift for Graduation GIFT SUGGESTIONS FROM THE ... WEBSITES AND ARTICLES ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL CollegeBoard.com (official ...
http://www.specialoccasio ...n_graduation_high.htm

18. High school diploma
... r\n High School Diploma - Education - School Graduation Taking Time Off After High School. You Have ... ... courses. \r\n HSLDA | Bookstore [High School Diploma / Cap and Gown] $20.00 $17.00, HSLDA Member ...
http://high-school-diploma.allworldsites.com/

19. Montezuma-Cortez High School - Handbook
... all of their graduation requirements early ... meal, contact the high school office or ... rings are allowed in school. 13. Anything else ... a full length evening gown, cocktail dress, or ...
http://www.cortez.k12.co. ...ols/MCHS/handbook.htm

20. Palm Harbor University High School
... Graduation May 17, 2006 4:30 p.m. The Sun Dome U.S.F. Campus Tampa, FL Graduation Fees: $60.00 Includes cap, gown, tassel, medallion, ceremony, etc. Fees will be collected in the lobby of the ...
http://www.phuhs.org/seniorpage/gradinfo.html

21. Bullard High School Year
... 25 Senior Check Out Fri. 26 Senior Breakfast 9:00/Cap & Gown 10:30 Mon. 29 NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day Tue. 30 9 / 10 / 11 Finals Graduation Rehearsal 9:00 am Savemart Center Wed. 31 9 / 10 / 11 ...
http://www.bullard.fresno.k12.ca.us/html/year.htm

22. High School Pics
... 2004 Japan High School Pics Date: 08/18/05 Owner: Gallery Administrator Size: 2 items (124 items total) Album: HS Graduation YES, my gown is hella wrinkly.... LONG STORY Date: 08/18/05 Owner: Gallery ...
http://www.jimbonet.com/g ...2fd18c61a611f29cbdb1f

23. Old Chester, PA: Chester High School Reunion, Class of 1954
... accident soon after graduation from high school. He was really a ... me. Between being seasick and high on the wine...ughhhhh. the ... night she wore this beautiful gown, she had a cute cupie doll < ...
http://www.oldchesterpa.c ...ns/chs_54_reunion.htm

24. Student Fees - Gateway High School
... 12.00 $17.00 02/16/2006 2/20 - 4/13 Graduation Supplies (Cap, Gown, Tassel, Diploma Cover) $45.00 $55 ... ... night. Disclaimer | Privacy Statement | Network Acceptable Use Policy Osceola County School District
http://www.ghs.osceola.k1 ...arent/senior/fees.asp

25. C.D. Hylton High School
... Aid Night Forest Park High School 12/12/2005: SOL (End of ... later 04/15/2006: Cap and Gown/Invitation Distribution This ... Senior Preparations for Graduation Begins through English ...
http://www.hyltonbulldogs.org/senior.cfm

26. High School Graduation - Topic Powered by Groupee Community
... the traditional one, cap and gown and what not, but then I did ... represented some part of my high school experience. That, and the ... am I the only one that had a graduation party? I was lucky enough ...
http://boards.bootsnall.c ...5910862/r/26300946216

27. Dana Hills High School
... SENIOR CHECKOUT DATE: Tuesday, June 14th (Cap & Gown Distribution) TIME: 1 pm PLACE: Football snack ... ... DATE: Thursday, June 16 TIME: 3:00 p.m. 12. GRADUATION DATE: Thursday, June 16 TIME: 4:00 p.m. 13 ...
http://www.dhhs.net/activities/seniordates.htm

28. Graduation Gifts & Gift Ideas for High School & College Grads from Graduatio...
... is a momentous occasion...whether it's middle school, high school or college. So capture this special memory forever in our "Cap & Gown" Graduation Frame". AllGraduationGifts .com 5 x7 Graduation ...
http://www.graduationday.com/personalized.htm

29. Davis Senior High School PTA
... Club List Website DaVinci High School Website Da Vinci ... DON'T send submissions for non-school events even if they are ... who made this mistake. Graduation gown donation If you have or ...
http://www.virtual-markets.net/~dhspta/

30. highschooldiplomaonline.com | High School Diploma Online | California Online...
High School Diploma Online Associated Offers California Online Education San Jose Online Education Graduation Gown Graduation Caps Graduation Stole Graduation Products Graduation Invitations ...
http://www.highschooldipl ...ne.com/graduation.htm

31. deseretnews.com | Addiction drains life out of body and soul
... Snapshot: Monica wearing a high school graduation gown and an I-did-it grin. Snapshot: A thoughtful Monica reading a storybook to her young son and niece. The disc doesn't include pictures of the ...
http://deseretnews.com/dn ...249,595106651,00.html

32. Columbus High School (CHS) Yearbooks And Logs Historic Columbus Indiana
... being measured for her cap and gown. Senior William Stearman was ... on a "new" Columbus High School on 25th Street, and showed ... yearbook. The 1957 senior graduation class walked through the ...
http://www.historiccolumb ...arbooks/yearbooks.htm

33.
... along with their class in June. There is a graduation fee charged to each 12th grade student ... ... facility, cap and gown rentals, etc. The Teachers All Oak Meadow High School teachers are degreed ...
http://oakmeadowschool.com/High School.htm

34. Student Government — Winnacunnet High School
... plans for Senior Banquet, cap and gown measurements, and graduation activities. Junior Class They are ... ... assist Freshmen in their transition to high school during homeroom and the designated activity ...
http://winnacunnet.org/activities/studentgov/

35. Moscow High School - Class of 1964, High School Memories
... Program Cap & Gown The Conflagration ... had a baby before graduation. Well, if it had ... classes and summer school. If not for Miss ... I might not have that high school diploma from ...
http://www.mhs1964.com/memories.html

36. high school prom pictures
... page 10. Return to Graduation Special Edition ... hang out, spending a school year before the ... reality show American High...(Continue Reading ... gowns long dresses gown prom dress prom makeup ...
http://www.usa-velodrome. ...ol-prom-pictures.html

37. High School Prom - Dresses - Prom and Wedding
... Wedding Dresses Grad Dresses Graduation Dresses Green Prom Dresses ... Hawaiian Wedding Dresses High School Prom Holiday Dresses ... Prom Flowers Prom Girls Prom Gown Prom Gowns Prom Hair Prom Hair ...
http://www.dressday.com/highschoolprom/

38. Information About California High School
... www.grouppixs.com Type in school: California High School Password: Grizzlies 04 Jostens 2005-06 ... ... Day January 19 and 20: Senior Graduation Announcement and Cap & Gown Orders. (Brunch and Lunch ...
http://www.chs.srvusd.k12 ...PAGE/senior_info.html

39. Roseburg High School News
... of Times, come see The Worst High School Play in the World ... be on campus to take your graduation supply orders TODAY. They ... prompt delivery of your cap and gown, rings, and graduation ...
http://www.roseburg.k12.or.us/rhs/news.html

40. Lakewood high school
... waynesboro high school 2003 graduation star wars online games ... bellingham chrysler lakewood high school as pleasant as Nectar at ... highly inflated garb: and they gown. I always wore chaunged my ...
http://lakewood-high-school.habu.info/

41. OU Independent Learning High School 2004 Commencement
... Oklahoma. By the time of her graduation, Schwarz had accumulated a ... According to Kurklin, the OU High School diploma program was the ... long journey to don the cap and gown of a high school graduate ...
http://ouilhs.ou.edu/2005_commencement.asp

42. LupusTalk.com Forums - [News] Special Graduation for High School Lupus Student
... counselors, and Kern High School District Board of Trustees ... her own gown. Her own cap and gown. There, while a boombox blared ... with her diploma in a proper graduation ceremony. "I just wanted to ...
http://www.lupustalk.com/ ...s/showthread.php?t=30

43. The Seton Keough High School
... is open to all Seton Keough High School students and their families ... for caps and gowns, graduation announcements, name cards ... exception of the white cap and gown. While the cost of the cap and ...
http://www.setonkeough.co ..._wednesdayupdate.html

44. High School Renewal Newsletter
... Cell Phone Policy Graduation Policy School ... Teacher, English High School Health Education and ... Hyde Park, and Monument high schools participated ... to put on a surgical gown and mask as they ...
http://www.highschoolrenewal.org/newsapr05.asp

45. Eastside High School - Gainesville, FL
... will be on campus to take Cap & Gown orders. This will be the last ... EHS @ 4:30pm June 2, 2006 Graduation Practice Stephen C. O ... 2:30pm June 3, 2006 Eastside High School Graduation Stephen C. O ...
http://www.ehs.sbac.edu/

46. Welcome to RHAM High School!
Daily Bulletin RHAM High School Bulletin for Monday, October 31 ... in participating in the sister school program must see Sra. Lebron ... Measurements for your graduation cap and gown will be taken on ...
http://www.rhamhs.reg8.k1 ...tin/DailyBulletin.htm

47. High School Diploma
... follow the student rules and school policies. Cap and Gown Graduation Ceremony is held at the end of the spring semester. How to Enroll High School Diploma Requirements Types of Instruction (Lab Style ...
http://www.hbadultschool.com/classes_hsd.htm

48. Johnston High School
... a returning student to the high school, the password and user name ... that will be used for their graduation announcement. Seniors will ... and pay for their cap and gown rental. All orders are to ...
http://www.johnston.k12.i ...hschool/home_page.htm

49. John F. Kennedy High school
... DISTRIBUTION Capt and gown will only be given to ... No students/ No school April 26- Colorado ... April 29- Prom, Mile HIgh station, 8 PM-Midnight ... midnight-5 AM May 1- Graduation Rehearsal, escorts ...
http://jfk.dpsk12.org/calendars.html

50. St. Hubert's Catholic Girls High School
... Log Out St. Hubert's Catholic Girls High School Month of November, 2005 Login for full ... ... Faculty Meeting-1:45 Grade 12 Graduation Product Orders & Cap & Gown Measurements (Lunches) Grade ...
http://sthuberts.premierplanner.org/monthly.html

51. WSBTV.com - News - Paralyzed Teen Honored At Special Graduation
... Paralyzed Teen Honored At Special Graduation Search Make WSBTV.com Your ...
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/9246110/detail.html

52. Herndon High School - Home Page
... Graduation Orders Place your graduation announcements & accessories ... you can also do the cap and gown measurement at this time. SOL ... to Governor's School for the summer of 2006. High achieving ...
http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/HerndonHS/index.htm

53. San Dimas High School
... to report in cap and gown no later than 1:30 PM ... TO PARTICIPATE IN GRADUATION! SENIOR LUNCHEON ... for the 2005-2006 school year. They are ... for CSC San Dimas High School Community ...
http://www.sandimashigh.com/bulletin.php

54. Milken Community High School
... required to give their cap and gown measurements or any order for ... forms are requirements for graduation ñ the final deadline is ... on the Milken Community High School web site, and game ...
http://www.mchschool.org/ ...ts/dean-deptchair.htm

55.
High School Graduation We track the high school academics using the ... complete a minimum of 20 high school level credits. Graduating ... Key Benefits Official Cap and Gown Ceremony Official High School ...
http://www.christiancottage.com/Graduation.html

56. High school graduation party ideas
... Got teens? Got a senior in high school expecting to graduate soon ... to throw "no expense barred" graduation parties. The lavish event ... teen is showered with a pricey gown or tuxedo and allowed to rent ...
http://www.webguru.com/sc ...ation-party-ideas.htm

57. Paden City High School | Seniors
... school after graduation and have at least a ... from local community school. Based upon GPA, ACT ... upon interview and gown competition. Deadline ... obtaining a degree: High Technology Scholars ...
http://www.wetzelcountyschools.com/3405912269279/

58. History
... Probably the story of my experiences in designing and sewing my high school graduation gown is representative of the enthusiasm and frenzy that often accompany my sewing projects...even today! For ...
http://www.sewbiz.com/history.htm

59.
http://raider.winslow-hs. ...me.us/main/news.shtml