Barbara Lawlor, Nederland. Traditionally, the white rose is a fitting way to honor a friend or loved one in recognition of a new beginning or a farewell. The pure whiteness of the petals conveys respect, honors new starts, and expresses hope for the future.

Until last Thursday night, Nederland Middle Senior High School principal Adam Fels had not attended a white rose ceremony and as the seniors praised the mentors in their lives, he was obviously moved by the their outpouring of gratitude and love for the people who had stood by them during their Nederland education.

“That was pretty amazing,” he said after the flowers and the tears were all gone.

For one night, seniors have the opportunity to honor unconditionally the members of their family, school, friends, and community who had their back. Each student is allotted two roses and it is never enough.

Two parents can’t do everything. Friends can’t do everything. Teachers can’t do everything. Coaches can’t do everything. It takes everyone working together to give a student the tools and confidence to leave the security of the nest and take off into the world. Family and extended family connect the dots and fill in the blanks to help a student complete the steps to succeeding in school.

Seniors were called on randomly from a list of those who requested roses.

Mackenzie Radandt attributed her Nordic ski ability to coach David Femmer and her love of music to Jessica Cooper, saying music has been a big part of her life.

Bonnie Nash, who retired from her NMSHS teaching position two years ago, was called back to receive white roses from a number of students whom she has continued to tutor and mentor. Scarlett Sinay said, “I would have never made it to this day without you. I was failing and you helped me.”

Ike Thibedeau told Bonnie, “Since seventh grade you have advocated for me and then all through high school.”

Bri Lindstrom thanked counselor Aly Shambo for always understanding her differences, and she thanked her mom and dad and her “girlies,” her sisters. “All of our flaws and all of our good times made me who I am.”

Many members of this past year’s football team thanked their coaches Aaron Jones and Jake Metzger for their friendship and support in the past year.

Connor Demo thanked his dad and stepmother for giving him the greatest life he ever had.

Jake Gerecht thanked Scott Jewell for mentoring him in the robotics club. “You helped me since I joined in eighth grade and helped me get into engineering.”

Gillian Nasty gave a white rose to Sheila Ranegar. “I have known you since I was four years old when you started me riding horses and taught me through all the bad times and all the good times.”

Ben Rubio thanked Bridget Chiarito and Danielle Petrovic, “who saw a potential in me that I didn’t see.” He also said, “Liz Evans changed my life completely, opened up my world and put me on the path I am on now; I am so, so grateful.”

Anna Scott thanked Daniell Petrovic, “my best friend in high school,” and Liz Evans, who “was a large part of my life since I was six. If not for her, I’d still be afraid to talk. You practically raised me.”

William Allen thanked his parents, Bill and Marie Allen, saying, “My mom and dad are totally selfless people. They did everything for me and are two wonderful people.”

Miles Pancoast gave a white rose to his football coaches Aaron Jones and Jake Metzger and to Scott Sanders, “Who has been like a father to me and helped me to graduate. And to my mom who means more than anything to me.”

Nick Kaserra thanked Bonnie Nash and everyone else “who had to deal with me. I would have dropped out of school my sophomore year without you.”

Ben Jurisich thanked his mom “for taking care of me my whole life.”

In a world where people don’t often stop and thank others for taking the time to care, the Nederland White Rose Ceremony is a tradition that reminds us how much we all mean to each other and how important it is to let others know how appreciated they are.