There was definite electricity in the queue as some 3,500 ticket holders awaited admittance to Garcia-Elder field Friday afternoon. Everywhere I looked smiles and animated conversations recalling memories and promoting dreams were shared as the line moved. Unlike the usual GHS event lines I've been in for the many band, choir, and band shows through the years this line seemed to pop and crackle.

I tuned out a bit, trying to listen farther from where I stood. The harder I concentrated, the stories were different and yet the same. Parents, grandparents, foster parents, and guardians talked about what their graduating student's plans. Some were attending four-year institutions right off. Others were entering out of state vocational programs. Some had, or were planning to enlist in the military. Some had employment arranged, and some were destined to travel. No matter the student or the plans there was such optimism in the procession.

Listening to all the excited families once we were in the stands reminded me of my youth and all it took to be in line at a concert at Hollywood Park in the early 1980's. Back then we had to decide on a show, get enough people to split a hotel, arrange transportation, food, and return considerations. After all the prep work and travel, it was liberating to FINALLY be in line, even though the actual concert wasn't for five or six hours.

I got the same vibe from the crowd on Friday. Stories about years of work, plans, and the ups and downs were pouring out in little groups of conversation in the stands. People of all shapes, sizes, colors, and languages seemed to be saying the very same things at nearly the same time. Although I was unable to follow some of the other languages, I knew by the inflection and joy in the voices they were saying what I was thinking. They, too, were as very proud of their graduate as we were of ours, especially all she completed in earning her seat within that esteemed sea of blue and white. The cheers and air-horns after each announced name confirmed our collective pride.

I think it fair so say today's youth face more hurdles than their parents did on balance. Evidenced by the skips, hops, and shuffle steps the graduates performed as they approached the stage to receive their 'diplomas' I saw optimism for society's future as this group of new adults stepped into the world. The smiles and of course the veritable beach balls bouncing among the seated 500 were more evidence this class has a spontaneity this world needs.

I am honored our daughter is a part of the Class of 2009. She was awarded the John Philip Sousa Award for outstanding musicianship, dependability, loyalty, and cooperation. She is a vibrant young woman and I am in awe of hers, and the entire class' achievements.

As the evening drew to a close, the speeches and handshakes a distant memory, I was reminded by a graduate who couldn't have been any taller than five feet as she ran some 30 feet to leap into the arms of her father there are right things in this world.

Despite the current problems that may dull our optimism, there were about 500 reasons last Friday to put a hop and skip into our own steps and smile. This Class of 2009 has so much potential.

As amazing as they may be however, our part in their success does not stop here. It remains our right and responsibility to help them develop into the leaders and citizens our world needs. Whereas we may have "steered them" prior to Friday night, now is the time to give them the map and be substitute navigators with open eyes and minds when they have questions at the many forks in the road they are destined to face.

Ben Anderson Columnist Ben Anderson is a long-time Gilroyan and father of two fantastic teens. You can reach him at column@heyben.us. His column is published weekly.