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!

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Remember your Grad but don't forget Dad! One click gets you access to all the best Father's Day gift ideas on the web.
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1. Unique high school graduation gift
... groomsman gift (cheap vegas trip) unique baptism gift, Real ... gift jewelry, unique college graduation gift and unique friendship ... anniversary gift idea unique high school graduation gift. The unique ...
http://peopleover50.com/i ...l-graduation-gift.htm

2. Kenston High School ~ General Information about KHS
... a one month summer trip to Western states ... four year comprehensive high school with a ... The Kenston Local School District encompasses ... 13.2 years GRADUATION PROFILE 80% will ...
http://www.kenston.k12.oh.us/khs/khs_info.htm

3. Hillsdale High School
... fall of the year of graduation. College and Career ... enrolled in Hillsdale High School only if they ... is permitted to attend school dances. Field Trips ... assignments. All field trip forms must be ...
http://www.hillsdalehigh.com/rules/

4. Equipment Used for Ice Fishing | Underwater Video Camera
... Natelee has been missing since a high school graduation trip there in late May. The system that was provided has the ability to provide a live video feed to the surface in depths of up to 200ft. The ...
http://www.splashcam.com/companynews.htm

5. 1995 Dixieland Jazz Mailing List Guest Book
... Remember from high school graduation trip to New Orleans." Friday, November 03 at 07:10 PM: Ralf Reynolds(RRascals@aol.com) from Orlando, FL wrote: "In search for information on the washboard as used ...
http://www.islandnet.com/djml/guestbook1995.html

6. Herald.com | 09/23/2005 | Key election issue: economy
... said. Aruba became the focus of international scrutiny this year after an American teen, Natalee Holloway, disappeared on the final night of her high school graduation trip to the island. Authorities ...
http://www.miami.com/mld/ ...americas/12718260.htm

7. 2003 High School Football Preview - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
... 2003 High School Football Preview - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review ... athletes in the school. (2005-08-21) BURRELL Henderson ...
http://www.pittsburghlive ...hschool/football/tab/

8. Presque Isle High School Class of 1982 Reunion Site
... attended PIHS with our class from 1979-1982. Graduation from PIHS not required! Want to know when ... ... THEN & NOW PHOTOS | HIGH SCHOOL PHOTO ALBUM | BIOLOGY FIELD TRIP | GIRL SCOUTS | ZAYRE ...
http://www.northern-pine.com/1982/

9. Additional Considerations
... want them to receive religious instruction, should the guardian provide them a car, a high school graduation trip, a wedding or down payment on a home? Guardians If your children are minors and you ...
http://www.smartestatepla ...ings_think_about.html

10. NBC 6 News - World Headlines
http://www.kcentv.com/new ...le.php?cid=3&nid=4199

11. More questions than answers in Aruba: Some wonder about handling of disappea...
... Why were the young men last seen with 18-year-old Natalee Holloway left free for days after she disappeared May 30, the last day of a five-day high school graduation trip with 124 other students? Why ...
http://www.decaturdaily.c ...ws/050626/aruba.shtml

12. busybeeband.com - Official Site of the Busy Bee Band&Honeybees - East Fairmo...
... instrument and year of graduation. Also, take a moment to ... a performance at Bethel Park High School. 2004 Season Highlights ... 2004 Washington, DC Spring Trip 2003-2004 Member Roster © 2000 ...
http://www.busybeeband.com/

13. Alaska's "High School Graduation Qualifying Examination": Web Resources Page
Alaska's "High School Graduation Qualifying Examination" (HSGQE): Web Resources Page Dr. Claudia Krenz (cloudk@gci.net) Nikiski, Alaska Remember the Alamo. Remember the 707. 4/19/05, a day that ought ...
http://www.srv.net/~msdata/ahsqe.html

14. High School Graduation - Topic Powered by Groupee Community
... Community Forums Student Travel High School Graduation Contact Us | BootsnAll Travel Home ... ... around-the-world) Cheap Plane Tickets (round-trip and one-way) Hotel Search Engine: Search for ...
http://boards.bootsnall.c ...5910862/r/26300946216

15. Biltmore Hotel Providence Rhode Island Info
... was last seen leaving a bar with three young men from Aruba during a high school graduation trip to the island May 30 ... New radar system due for Detroit Metro ... Airports in Providence, Milwaukee ...
http://www.go2-rhode-isla ...ce-rhode-island.shtml

16. John Marshall High School
... Mary's College in sponsoring a trip to their campus for female ... on November 12 at Dorsey High School. Our first competition of ... no idea what happens after graduation? Do you need someone to ...
http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/Marshal_HS/

17. Holy Cross High School - Course Information
... 25) credits are required for graduation from Holy Cross High School ... to take a calculus course in high school or college. It includes the ... This course includes a field trip to the Hall of Justice with a ...
http://www.holycrosshs.com/courseinfo.htm

18. Dry Grad High School Graduation| Dry Grad Celebration
Rafting & Adventures Resort & Lodging Trip Planning About Us More Information Contact Us Rafting & ... ... Rafting is an exciting way to celebrate your graduation. Even so, some schools have added extra ...
http://www.kumsheen.com/p ...rad/entertainment.php

19. CNN.com - Missing girl's mother back in Aruba - Nov 2, 2005
... to discuss interview with former suspect Natalee Holloway disappeared while on a high school graduation class trip to Aruba. RELATED ï Three men freed in Holloway case YOUR E-MAIL ALERTS Aruba ...
http://cnn.ch/2005/WORLD/ .../02/aruba.missing.ap/

20. The St. Joseph High School Memorial Free Range Salt Lick
... Not everyone remembers high school fondly, and we don't have ... really happened on that class trip? Send your memories to sjhs ... you show your Bison pride? GRADUATION PROGRAMS SPORTS PROGRAMS ...
http://sjhs.home.comcast.net/

21. AYPF Trip Report - Comprehensive High School Reform and Extended Learning
... Park East [see AYPF trip report 5/6-5/7/1999 ... or Westinghouse High School in Brooklyn. This ... neighborhood high schools, from which ... and beyond college graduation, including ...
http://www.aypf.org/tripreports/2002/tr111802.htm

22. The Champagne Crew: TK Series - High School Graduation
... 2000.......... JJ and TC visit (Nov) First snow trip (Nov) Jake's first stitches (Oct) A new camera ... ... validate html validate css TK Series - High School Graduation ´ TK Series - The Bikini Shot | Main ...
http://www.champagnecrew. ...t/archives/000330.php

23. Trip Guide » 2005 » July
... found no trace of the Alabama honors student, who disappeared on the final night of a high school graduation trip in Aruba. & Volunteers search landfill for third day in case of missing teen Posted in ...
http://www.trip-guide.info/2005/07/

24. Caribbean Net News: Three held in Holloway case released
... Holloway, 18, disappeared in Aruba while on a high school graduation trip. Back... Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed Printable version E-mail this story to a friend: Your e-mail ...
http://www.caribbeannetne ...2005/09/06/case.shtml

25. Travel Blog - Travel Stories
... way... A young girl (18) on a high school graduation trip went out drinking (and from reports, drinking heavily) the night before her flight home and disappeared. Lots of drama, ensues and Aruba has a ...
http://www.metime.com/blogs/index.php?cat=16

26. BSHS.com: Boiling Springs High School BSHS
... Springs after graduation in 1981 and joined ... in those 20 years, each trip to the school broke my ... to make sure that the school does not see a ... do on my end to help my high school which gave me ...
http://www.helpmeprogram.com/donate.html

27. Sheldon High School
... Support The Sheldon High School website now ... with the entire school? Submit your ... if you ordered graduation items, other than ... for the Varsity Choirs trip to Corngie Hall in May ...
http://www.shs.lane.edu/

28. Travel to France,Worldwide Travel Insurance
... Thought scenarios on buying travel insurance - í Well, I'm only going on a high school graduation trip to Europe; I'm young and healthy, I never get sick; and even if I should sprain an ankle -- what ...
http://www.french-at-a-to .../Travel/insurance.htm

29. East Side Neighborhood Services -- Menlo Park High School
... graduation, going on the senior trip, attending the picnic and ... this time meaningful. Beyond graduation from Menlo Seniors are ... Bovey | Menlo Alternative High School | Employment Opportunities ...
http://www.esns.org/index ...D1-A0D6-F7A97189DA07}

30. Quincy Notre Dame High School
... Representatives Spanish Trip (Tentative) March 29 ... 7:00pm May 21, 2006 Graduation 1:00pm at QND May ... 26, 2006 Last Day of School May 29, 2006 Memorial ... Date Quincy Notre Dame High School Design & ...
http://www.quincynotredame.org/calendar.shtml

31. Lexington (MA) High School Senate
... organize the Graduation. Having tailored the graduation ceremony to their mutual liking, the Senior ... ... of attending as an optional in-school field trip. The high school administration retains the ...
http://lhs.lexingtonma.org/senate/bills.html

32. THE NEW 940 MONTREAL
... May 30 - the night the 18-year-old Alabama student disappeared at the end of a high school graduation trip to the Dutch Caribbean island. The young men were arrested June 9, but the Kalpoe ...
http://www.940news.com/no ....php?cat=24&id=809102

33. jameson's WebbSleuths - Completely free
... Holloway, 18, vanished on the final night of a high school graduation trip to the Dutch Caribbean island. Extensive searches have failed to find any trace of her. Van der Sloot, 18, and the Kalpoe ...
http://www.webbsleuths.or ...m/DCForumID66/52.html

34. Passaic Valley High School
... The Passaic Valley High School Education ... yahoo.com. During the school year, we update ... your name, year of graduation, and e-mail address ... Watch the Video of PV's Trip Around The World ...
http://www.pvhs.k12.nj.us/

35. ROBnLES.com
... 2001 Christmas 2002 Christmas 2003 Christmas 2004 Daniel Valenti's High School Graduation Dave & Jeannie Raulston's Wedding/Trip t Easter Easter 1977 Easter 2005 Frank & Jeannie's Party Party ...
http://www.robnles.com/in ...action=dsp_pic_search

36. Not only Natalee is missing - Los Angeles Times
... coverage to the story of the May 30 disappearance of Natalee Holloway while on a high school graduation trip to Aruba. Then, on July 18, another young woman went missing, this one in his hometown ...
http://www.latimes.com/fe ...aug05,1,6265282.story

37. 3-day U.S. Trips
senior trip graduation trips class trips class of 2005 cancun jamaica bahamas florida orlando disney universal beaches class trip senior trip graduation trip high school trips student travel student ...
http://www.graduationtrips.com/stlouis/

38. HispanicVista.com
... However, 30 percent of our freshmen do not graduate from high school. We must do better than that for their sake. This yearís budget supports improvements in our schools in many ways. We will begin ...
http://www.hispanicvista.com/index_080805.asp

39. Columbus High School (CHS) Yearbooks And Logs Historic Columbus Indiana
... The 1957 senior graduation class walked ... Columbus Junior High School with the 7th, 8th ... title for Columbus High after having placed ... Roger Callahan won a trip to Washington DC and ...
http://www.historiccolumb ...arbooks/yearbooks.htm

40. McAuley High School
... then alumnae opportunites. The trip is open to alums, parents ... A Fantastic Look at McAuley High School Click here to view the ... Monday, Oct 31 All Day Ohio Graduation Test Make-Up All Day Spirit ...
http://www.mcauleyhs.net/

41. Dog Heroes and Howlers: July 2005
... Natalee Holloway, 18, went missing May 30 while on a high school graduation trip. She had not been found as of Friday. Thursday, July 07, 2005 Pup alerts homeowner to fire Pup alerts homeowner to ...
http://heroesandhowlers.w ...05_07_01_archive.html

42. CBS News | Dutch Suspect Leaves Aruba | September 6, 2005 18:30:05
... Ala. on Sunday, saying she had "exhausted all my avenues" after pressuring authorities since shortly after the teen disappeared on the final day of a high school graduation trip to the Dutch Caribbean ...
http://www.cbsnews.com/st ...orld/main821555.shtml

43. Pictures from Palau
... only. Copyright (c) 2003 In June Mary and I took Heather on a high school graduation trip to Palau. We were joined by good friends and very advanced divers Doug Johnston, Karen Uyeda and Barbara Davis ...
http://john.munchnet.com/palau/

44. Skyline High School
... GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS File: IKF A total of 23 1/2 credits shall be earned in grades 9 through 12 including completion of subject area requirements for graduation from a district high school. A ...
http://www.stvrain.k12.co.us/skyline/handbook.html

45. Phelps High School - Online Phelps High School Yearbooks - Message Board
... down memory lane, I hope you enjoy the trip as much as I have. Life led us down different paths after graduation, but being proud graduates of Phelps High School is the one thing we continue to have ...
http://www.phelpshighschool.com/

46. Danville High School : DHS News
... Danville High School graduation at Centre College's ... s Cup The Danville High School Academic Team ... competition. No other school in Kentucky won more ... down there for a day trip and practiced with the ...
http://www.danville.k12.ky.us/dhs/index.wdt

47. Cleveland Central Catholic High School - Campus Ministry
... College Courses Graduation Requirements ... Central Catholic High School, students not ... private and public school students. While most ... together in prayer. Trip to Hell - Don't be ...
http://www.centralcatholi ...campus_ministry.shtml

48. Cancun: CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort - Traveler Reviews - Beautiful Reso...
... There certainly was a fair share of obnoxious high-school graduation trip students roaming around, monopolizing the pool bars. They were annoying with every word being the F word at the top of their ...
http://cancun-hotels.trip ...ucatan_Peninsula.html

49. AVALON HIGH SCHOOL. Home Page, Welcome.
... the United States History graduation standard. United States ... provide activities whereby high school students learn to confront ... how the past is preserved. A trip to the science museum to see ...
http://www.avalonschool.org/seminars.html

50. Mesorah High School For Girls
... Activity Monday 29th,Graduation at 10:45 a.m ... 31st,End of the Year Trip JUNE Thursday 1st ... go to a single-sex school where it easier to ... tradition! Mesorah High School For Girls 6921 ...
http://www.mesorahschool.org/

51. Millbrook High School Raleigh, NC
... need to go over important information such as graduation status and post-secondary planning. Please ... ... encouraging African-American Female high school students 9 th -12 th , who demonstrate ...
http://mhs.wcpss.net/

52. Summer Academy for Advanced High School Students
... much higher retention and graduation rates than students who ... The SMART Program is open to high school students who meet the GPA ... 31 August 1 2 3 4 5 6 Optional Trip to Venice Beach 10:00am - 8 ...
http://summeracademy.ucr.edu/smart.html

53. Ashley's 2001 High School Graduation
Ashley's 2001 High School Graduation HOME Comcast HOME .
http://c-24-34-101-170.hs ...81/Pick 15/index.html

54. Point Pleasant High School
... be held in the Point Pleasant High School cafeteria at 6 p.m ... 14, 2004óOur next field trip is currently being planned. We ... Pleasant Middle School Gymnasium v1 May 30óGraduation 4:00 p.m ...
http://pphs.maso.k12.wv.us/knightlinejan2004.htm

55. Bangitout.com: Kosher Top 10
... 1. On your high school graduation trip, you're required to wear a long skirt and long sleeved shirt.The touriststhere keep asking you if you're Amish. 2. Although you're told to emulate your ...
http://www.bangitout.com/top151.html

56. University of Miami Online High School
... AP courses progression plan graduation requirements summer reading ... will take a "virtual" field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of ... programming course for high school students that teaches the ...
http://www.umiamihs.com/c ...e_list_electives.html