Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.

A shoulder to cry on.

An ear that really listens.

Eyes that look deeper than the surface.

A heart that unconditionally loves.

A mind that is open.

A teacher who inspires.

None of us possess all of these qualities all of the time, but for many of our graduating seniors, there have been people in their lives who have been there when the students needed them the most, offering a shoulder, an ear, inspiration. Each year, as part of the graduation week events, the seniors attend the White Rose Ceremony, a sometimes heart-rending observance, in which graduates present flowers to those who have helped them through their high school years.

On Thursday, May 19, the White Rose ceremony took place at Nederland Middle Senior High School. As the seniors presented their flowers, a box of tissues was always nearby.

Savannah Ames says there have been many people in her life helping her. She gave a rose to Jake Metzger who “lifted her confidence,” and to Danielle Petrovich-Jones who “gave so much to me in both my school and personal life.”

Tobiah Nagle talked about her mom, who is her best friend. “If I could only be half the woman she is.” She also gave a rose to music and theater director, Liz Evans. “We have spent so much time together on this stage and she has changed my life.”

Hunter Mayhew called on Dwight DeBroux, NHS’s custodian, as one of the “unsung heroes” of the school. “He does so much for the community and the students, always putting their needs first. I want him to be recognized because I don’t want him not to be recognized.”

Mayhew also honored science teacher, Al Real, who has “become more of a friend than a teacher. I will carry what I learned from him for all of my life.”

When Quin Kuechenmeister was little, he told his mother he never wanted to move away. “Now I have learned enough to be able to do it. Thank you.”  He also presented a rose to his teacher and football coach, Aaron Jones, who pushed him to do his best, on or off the football field.”

Natalia Kinczel gave her parents a rose, saying, “Dad, every day I look to your accomplishments. Life would be so much harder without you. Mom, we are so close. We read each other’s minds. You are my idol and best friend. I love you to the moon and back.” She gave Al Real a rose saying she learned more in his class in one year than all of high school.

Hanna Woods also named Al Real, saying he is a selfless human being who is dedicated and admirable. She also gave a rose to her parents, who “have worked all their lives to give me the wonderful life I’ve had.”

ShyAnn Hartman told Dwight DeBroux that school has meant more to her because he is such an amazing person. She also gave a rose to her parents for all of their support.

Dacota Truitt thanked teacher, Scott Sanders, who did not allow him to fail. “You are my mentor and my rock.” He also gave a rose to Jake Metger saying, “You made me a different person. It’s because of you I love sports. Thank you for inspiring me.”

Paul Fagerstrom told teacher, Dawn Foster, that she had been a friend since the sixth grade. He thanked Jake Metzger for his friendship and for “expanding my mind.”

Ripley Duke thanked Al Real for showing her how awesome science is and that she could become something.

Nicole Silva called Danielle Petrovic-Jones her other mother and said she would miss her and her gorgeous children. She also gave a rose to Mark Mabbett, saying, “You know the origin of Ketchup and you treated me like a person.”

Emily Rumor thanked Doug and Pat Gibney, saying that Calvary Chapel had been her second home, a refuge and a place for fellowship. She thanked her dad, Jeff, and paid tribute to her grandfather, who she misses. She also gave a rose to Scott Sanders for his love and support, and for being a mentor.

Sophie Lindenberg thanked coaches, David Femmer and Kathy Butler, for their encouragement on the cross country trails, the Nordic ski courses, and the track and field events. “You welcomed me as part of the family and pushed me past my comfort zone.”

Kieran Haffey gave a rose to Danielle Petrovic-Jones for being a confidante he would trust with anything and to Jake Metzger, for being a role model in his life.

Jessica Gloe thanked Al Real with “I am a science nerd but it hasn’t always been that way,” and Danielle Petrovic-Jones for talking to her about Beyonce and communism, and giving her a template for what she wants to be.

Stazie Snelling thanked her parents and Al Real for bringing to her the joy of learning.

Natalie Guyton had a white rose for Andre Malinger who “always encouraged me to do what I love.”

Layton Kasch thanked principal, Adam Fels, and Jake Metzger for sticking with him and pushing him to go to class so he could graduate.

Maeve Anderson gave a rose to her track coach, David Femmer, who always encouraged her to do her best and to her sister saying. “I love you so much, but why do you make me cry in front of all these people?”

Tucker Carr thanked Jake Metzger, saying. “You are the coolest guy and you helped me get all the way through high school.”

Katie Jewell presented a white rose to her mom, saying, “I was the youngest of four children and you have been the only person I have lived with. Every year my siblings did not give you a white rose, so because you have always been there for me, you get this white rose.”

It’s just a flower, but to those who received a white rose, it is a symbol of the impact they have had on one of the members of the Class of 2016. To the senior, the rose is a token of thanks to someone who made all the difference in the world during their high school years.