Alumni make up for lost graduation

By Shari Goldstein Stern

The high school graduation commencement dates to the 12th century, when scholastic monks in dark, daunting robes led the traditional rite of passage. It looked nothing like those currently held at the end of every school year. The annual tradition has evolved to fit into the current societal norms. Today, the special occasion is typically an upbeat, celebratory event recognizing students for 12 years of hard work. Pomp and circumstance of a traditional commencement exercise partner with essential trappings like caps, gowns and diplomas for graduates and their families’ lifelong memories.

Lakewood’s Woodrow Wilson High School (Woodrow) commemorated its first graduating class in 1928 and has annually since then. Jacob Adamson, who graduated from Woodrow in 2020, said, “We got cheated out of that and spring and summer graduation events because of the worldwide pandemic.”  

The Texas Tech sophomore took matters into his own hands April 21 when he organized a group of six class of ’20 graduates, all young men who had participated in the school’s first virtual commencement, to spend an afternoon at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. “We hadn’t gotten together as a whole group in some time and thought it would be a good idea,” he said. They were none too happy, along with their entire 2020 senior class, about missing out on their big celebration due to the COVID-19 virus.

Joining Jacob were his friends, fellow Woodrow alumni Miguel Bueno, David Cervantes, Anthony Lara, Cesar Zapata and Lake Highlands HS ’20 graduate, Noah Holcomb. They have all been friends since middle school at J.L. Long.

As Adamson’s grandmother and founder and past-president of the Woodrow Wilson Alumni Association Barbara Adamson put it, “When six former high school classmates, 19-year-old young men get together, who would expect them to choose to visit the beautiful flowers and landscape at White Rock Lake?” 

She added, “When I spoke with Mary Brinegar, president of the Arboretum and Botanical Garden, she told me she wasn’t aware of another group like this visiting and was glad they chose the Arboretum.”

Jacob is studying the beauty and history of Dallas while sharing that with his friends while home for summer break from Texas Tech University (Tech). 

According to the Tech student: “We talked to one of the employees at the front entrance who told us about the changes they had recently made for the spring. She gave us a brief overview of the layout, telling us what there was to see, and what flowers to look out for both that and any future visit.”

He added, “I enjoyed sitting and looking out over the lake, especially with the great weather that we had.”

“I think it’s good to take part in what the city has to offer. Going to the Arboretum is connecting with Dallas culture, while also being able to experience a nationally and globally recognized garden site,” Jacob concluded.

Jacob and his friends make an effort to get together a few times a year. The Arboretum was their first public get-together since the pandemic kept everyone indoors. He plans to make it back there. 

“It is so admirable that young men this age are motivated to participate in their own community. East Dallas adults set a good example,” commented Jacob’s grandmother.

“It was wonderful! We all had a great time enjoying the view and the flowers,” added Miguel. Cesar was glad to have ideal weather. “Perfect for a walk,” he said.

“Unfortunately, most of the flowers were just beginning to bloom so we did miss out on that. I would not say it made our experience any less enjoyable though as it was still a beautiful place to walk around. The view of the lake as you climbed the hill was very picturesque, especially with the house sitting on the other side,” Jacob said.

Regarding Jacob’s interest in Dallas’ history, he said: “My dad has always been fascinated with what Dallas has to offer so I probably get it from him. I wouldn’t go out of the way just to see one specific thing, but I wouldn’t mind taking a day or two to see all of what Dallas has to offer.”