Palatine High sends class of '08 into the world

Palatine High School's graduation ceremony Sunday was a celebration of family.

Two of the speakers were graduate Kevin O'Brien and his father, Jerry, who is the school's social studies department head and assistant wrestling coach.

Jerry O'Brien, who has been at Palatine High for 26 years, met his wife, Donna, at the school when both were coaches and teachers. Donna remains the girls diving coach.

Jerry O'Brien thanked students, teachers, staff and the community for helping to shape his son.

Putting on his social studies hat, O'Brien expressed concern about the future of the 125th graduating class. He alluded to current challenges by noting that when each student was a freshman, a gallon of gas in Palatine cost $1.72.

But he expressed confidence that this graduating class will strive to make the world better, adding, "As parents, as staff and as community members, we have given you much. But now we look forward to seeing a significant return on our investment from you, our most prized possessions."

He urged students to get involved in their communities and pursue a path of incremental improvement.

"You do not need to solve all the world's problems by day's end. Step by step, inch by inch, improve," he said.

Kevin echoed his father's positive outlook and community spirit.

Kevin, who will enter the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., later this month, spoke about how "good things happen to good people who work hard."

Dissecting the phrase, he interpreted good things as "a good job. A good house. A good car. Maybe in time a good husband or wife. Good kids. Good retirement benefits."

He said we would all like good things to happen to us.

"We would like to find a $10 dollar bill in our freshly washed jeans. We would like to have someone give us a free meal or a ride if we can't drive ourselves," he said, but then asked, "Can you really control those things?"

He answered in the affirmative, saying that with hard work, one would be rewarded.

"The fact is that on average, the more work you do, the better you're going to be rewarded," he said. "Try and use every job as a step toward your career goals."

The O'Briens weren't the only father-son combo enjoying the day. In the parking lot before the festivities, Kevin McShea was taking pictures of his son Michael, who was walking with his friends, all garbed in red caps and gowns.

McShea said he had raised his son on his own since the boy was 9 months old.

"I put my life on hold just for him," said McShea, who called Sunday "one of the proudest days of my life."

It was an equally proud one for Michael, who said he is thinking of becoming a firefighter or an actor.

"It feels amazing," he said. "I have never really imagined what it feels like until today. Now that it's hitting us, we're ready to go, ready to move on with our lives."

Of his dad, Michael said, "He did a good job. I'm proud of the guy."