Graduation day…what can I say that hasn’t been said by parents, grandparents, friends, teachers, aunts, uncles and hundreds of other people?
You are beginning a new journey, one that will take you amazing places.
Rochelle graduates go on to be doctors, lawyers, artists, musicians, teachers, plumbers, truck drivers, policemen, firefighters, electricians…all the people that we need in the world.
Just remember to follow your path, not someone else’s. Be strong, be kind, be generous, be humble, be smart.
Over the next few months you may feel lost or afraid. That’s natural for a lot of high school graduates. You have just finished 12 years of a fairly regimented lifestyle and that new-found freedom may seem overwhelming. Don’t let it be. Realize you are not alone.
You may also find the friends you have had during your high school times will change over the years. You will change too. What were common interests may not be in the future. That’s ok too. Change comes to all of us.

Congratulations. Now you are ready to go out into the real world. Just remember to make a difference in someone’s life.
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I went to the Summer Lunch Program training this week and was happy to see more than 30 people there. The training is necessary if you want to volunteer. There is another training session at 3:30 p.m. on May 28 at Lincoln School.
This is a great opportunity for people to do something good for kids. If you have a couple of hours a week to spare this summer, consider volunteering. It will add years to your life.
Speaking of volunteers, the Rochelle Rescue Mission homeless shelter on Lincoln Avenue also needs volunteers. Check out the organization’s Facebook page for more information.
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I lead a walking tour focusing on Rochelle history for the Flagg Township Museum. There are three of us who do tours, and we all have a little different slant to the walks.
I talk about Rochelle history, Steve Frank deals with houses and architecture, and Tom McDermott does a history walk with an emphasis on fires in the downtown area.
On my recent walk, someone told me the Whitcomb Locomotive plant had a test rail line that ran through town and down Dewey Avenue, ending at Lincoln Highway. I have asked a couple of people about that, and no one seems to be able to confirm that tidbit.
So, what do you remember? Let me know.

Terry Dickow is a retired elementary school teacher with lots of opinions, some you will like, some you won’t. He can be contacted at terrydickow@gmail.com.