Dear Bryan,

It’s a thrill, it’s a thrill

To be here, I say!
To honor you, Son,
As you graduate today!

Your educational roadmap

Has been like a maze
Winding and curving
As you completed each phase.

You started with preschool

The Co-op, remember?
Where you met Michael Keiser
Twenty years ago, September!

And then Hidden Valley

From the first to sixth grade
So many fine teachers
And friends that you made.

Mrs. Arrow, Mrs. Bradley

Mrs. Fisher and DuBay
Each one of these teachers
Helped build your foundation, I’d say!

And then onto Brookhaven

Not the best of your years
Though Mr. King and Mr. C.
Well…they helped calm your fears!

And Mr. Hertz, what a trip

Remember that guy?
As you played in the band
He’d wave his hands in the sky!

And don’t forget Leftwich

He won’t forget you
Cause you made an impression
On him, yes, it’s true.
 Your love of computers
And filmmaking too
Drew you to Art Quest
Back to Santa Rosa you flew.

At Santa Rosa High

You flourished in media
Where you met Alex Stone
The Duo Expedia!

You took over the classroom

Or so said the teacher!
Poor Mrs. Vetrano
What a sad little creature!

There were Joyner and Stablein,

Now what a relief,
To be free of Vetrano,
Who brought so much grief!

Then onto Montgomery High

You moved Junior year,
The IB Program,
Was calling you, Dear….

How brave that you were

To leave all behind
To pursue new frontiers
For new dreams you would find.

You were thinking of college

You were planning ahead
You were making the moves
For your future, instead.

The IB Program…
You found all consuming
But as Editor-in-Chief
You were all-unassuming.

Hardworking, yet modest

A real teamplayer
A leader, a friend,
And a real soothsayer!
 And not to forget
How it was for your Dad
As you walked in his footsteps
As a “Montgomery High Grad”.

Then college was here

So many questions and choices
And factors to consider
And all those parental voices!

Where will you go?

Will you move far away?
Will you spend all your savings?
Yikes, what could you say!

You had to figure out

For yourself, what to do
To wrestle with questions
And listen to YOU!

The answer did come

You finally decided
To the JC you’d go
Into classes you glided.

At the JC you thrived

You grew and you flourished
And set the foundation
From which you were nourished.

Then off to London

To a distant land
For an amazing adventure
That was oh so grand!

A real rite of passage,

As you made your way
From the River Thames
To “The Tube” subway!

And then came Berkeley

Upon your return
Seeking Higher Education
 Your goal was: To Learn!

At Berkeley you’ve managed

To do it once more
You’ve thrived and you’ve flourished
And soared, yes you’ve soared!

From Psychology classes

And Cognitive Science
To clubs that you’ve joined
And formed an alliance.
It’s not just your brains
Nor your G.P.A.
But the connections you’ve made
Every step of the way.
Getting involved…
And having some fun
Making new friends
That’s been Berkeley, my Son!
The fun that you’ve had
The challenges faced
Like President of Cog Sci
And the “Go Game” you aced!
There’s more, yes there’s more
I could just keep on going
For the list it is long
And your accomplishments glowing.
But I’ll save that for you
My poem is nearly done
I hope I’ve conveyed
All my pride in You, Son.
I know it’s your style
When I look back and see
How you’ve seized opportunities
To learn all you can be.

You did this in high school

And college, it’s clear
You kept forging ahead
 Beyond obstacles and fear.

You have opened up doors

When it felt rather frightening
But you walked right on through
And discovered: No Lightening!

What you discovered instead

When you walked through the door
That to face what you fear
Gives you strength to BE more.

You’ve made wise decisions

You’ve followed your heart
You’ve been true to yourself
And you have from the start.

The impressions you’ve made

How you’ve touched hearts a plenty
With your kindness and caring
And your skills are so many!

And just to acknowledge

The journey you’ve had
There was always support
From your Mom and your Dad.

And your Sister, and Grandparents,

Step Mamas and Friends,
Your Cousins, Aunts and Uncles
Ah! the list never ends.
At times when your path
Seemed hard or seemed long
We were walking near by you
For our love it was strong!
You’re our Son, and a Grandson
You’re a Cousin, and Brother
You’re a Nephew, and Friend
Unlike any other!

Now it’s time to acknowledge

All the hard work you’ve done
For family to show
what you mean to us, Son!
 We are grateful for you
Our family is blessed
We’re here to embrace you,
And wish you every success!

Love you forever and always,

Mom

May 21, 2004