Dear Bryan,

It’s a thrill, it’s a thrillTo be here, I say!

To honor you, Son,As you graduate today!

Your educational roadmapHas been like a mazeWinding and curving

As you completed each phase.

You started with preschoolThe Co-op, remember?

Where you met Michael KeiserTwenty years ago, September!

And then Hidden ValleyFrom the first to sixth grade

So many fine teachersAnd friends that you made.

Mrs. Arrow, Mrs. BradleyMrs. Fisher and DuBay

Each one of these teachersHelped build your foundation, I’d say!

And then onto BrookhavenNot the best of your yearsThough Mr. King and Mr. C.

Well…they helped calm your fears!

And Mr. Hertz, what a tripRemember that guy?

As you played in the bandHe’d wave his hands in the sky!

And don’t forget LeftwichHe won’t forget you

Cause you made an impressionOn him, yes, it’s true.

Your love of computersAnd filmmaking too

Drew you to Art QuestBack to Santa Rosa you flew.

At Santa Rosa HighYou flourished in media

Where you met Alex StoneThe Duo Expedia!

You took over the classroomOr so said the teacher!

Poor Mrs. VetranoWhat 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 HighYou moved Junior year,

The IB Program,Was calling you, Dear….

How brave that you wereTo leave all behind

To pursue new frontiersFor new dreams you would find.

You were thinking of collegeYou were planning ahead

You were making the movesFor your future, instead.

The IB Program…You found all consuming

But as Editor-in-ChiefYou were all-unassuming.

Hardworking, yet modestA real teamplayerA leader, a friend,

And a real soothsayer!

And not to forget

How it was for your DadAs you walked in his footstepsAs a “Montgomery High Grad”.

Then college was hereSo many questions and choices

And factors to considerAnd 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 outFor yourself, what to do

To wrestle with questionsAnd listen to YOU!

The answer did comeYou finally decidedTo the JC you’d go

Into classes you glided.

At the JC you thrivedYou grew and you flourished

And set the foundationFrom which you were nourished.

Then off to LondonTo a distant land

For an amazing adventureThat was oh so grand!

A real rite of passage,As you made your wayFrom the River ThamesTo “The Tube” subway!

And then came BerkeleyUpon your return

Seeking Higher Education

Your goal was: To Learn!

At Berkeley you’ve managedTo do it once more

You’ve thrived and you’ve flourishedAnd soared, yes you’ve soared!

From Psychology classesAnd Cognitive Science

To clubs that you’ve joinedAnd formed an alliance.

It’s not just your brainsNor your G.P.A.

But the connections you’ve madeEvery step of the way.

Getting involved…And having some funMaking new friends

That’s been Berkeley, my Son!

The fun that you’ve hadThe challenges faced

Like President of Cog SciAnd the “Go Game” you aced!

There’s more, yes there’s moreI could just keep on going

For the list it is longAnd your accomplishments glowing.

But I’ll save that for youMy poem is nearly done

I hope I’ve conveyedAll my pride in You, Son.

I know it’s your styleWhen I look back and see

How you’ve seized opportunitiesTo learn all you can be.

You did this in high schoolAnd college, it’s clear

You kept forging ahead

Beyond obstacles and fear.

You have opened up doorsWhen it felt rather frightening

But you walked right on throughAnd discovered: No Lightening!

What you discovered insteadWhen you walked through the door

That to face what you fearGives you strength to BE more.

You’ve made wise decisionsYou’ve followed your heart

You’ve been true to yourselfAnd you have from the start.

The impressions you’ve madeHow you’ve touched hearts a plenty

With your kindness and caringAnd your skills are so many!

And just to acknowledgeThe journey you’ve had

There was always supportFrom your Mom and your Dad.

And your Sister, and Grandparents,Step Mamas and Friends,

Your Cousins, Aunts and UnclesAh! the list never ends.

At times when your pathSeemed hard or seemed longWe were walking near by you

For our love it was strong!

You’re our Son, and a GrandsonYou’re a Cousin, and BrotherYou’re a Nephew, and Friend

Unlike any other!

Now it’s time to acknowledgeAll the hard work you’ve done

For family to show what you mean to us, Son!

We are grateful for youOur family is blessed

We’re here to embrace you,And wish you every success!

Love you forever and always,Mom

May 21, 2004