First-year Flex teacher Alex Koplin, who also had been one of Hock's eighth-grade teachers at Homer Middle School, handed the letter to Hock during the graduation ceremonies.

"He wrote a letter in the eighth grade to be opened by himself when he graduated from high school," Koplin told the gathering of family and friends that had braved a wintry blizzard to witness the graduation of the three Flex seniors - Kaitlyn Anne "Annie" Frank, Jane May Mireles and Hock.

A smiling Hock, his face turning red with the attention, quietly slipped the letter out of sight, to be opened later.

"A day to celebrate success" was Principal Karen Wessel's description of the day dedicated to honoring the three students' completion of high school. Flex faculty and staff joined Wessel in offering words describing each of the students.

Teacher Jeff Szarzi drew from author Richard St. John's eight traits that lead to success, applying each of the traits to the students. "Passion", "focus" and "persist" summed up Mireles, Szarzi said. To Frank, Szarzi handed cutouts of "work" and "ideas," while Hock was recognized with "good," "serve" and "push."

In addition to giving Hock the letter, Koplin followed Szarzi's lead. He described Frank as intelligent, perceptive and sensitive; Mireles as organized, steadfast and a good self-advocate; and Hock as kind, considerate and a good person.

"You kept me on my guard," Koplin said of the effect the three seniors had on his teaching. "You guys are ready to graduate and that's cool."

Teacher Nancy Vait presented Frank, Mireles and Hock with flowers, congratulating them for their achievements.

"Life gets in the way sometimes," Vait said of distractions to achieving goals. "Right now, these three have overcome the obstacles."

Special Ed Aide Laureen Wentz added to the description of the students, characterizing Mireles as someone who knows what she wants to do, Frank as good-hearted and a hard worker, and Hock as "someone who has grown exponentially."

"Thanks for teaching me what people with vision can do," Wentz told the students.

Secretary Laura Norton drew a laugh from the audience, as well as the students, when she shared the one word she said described the class of three: stubborn.

"Use that to get you where you want to go," she told the trio.

Given the opportunity to respond, each of the graduates expressed appreciation to teachers, friends and family for their ongoing support.

"Thank you for helping us get over ourselves," said Frank.

"This took a long time, but I did it," said Hock. "I never thought this day would come, but it did. Now I don't have to wake up anymore."

Mireles, who completed requirements to become a certified nursing assistant a week before graduating from high school, offered her gratitude to everyone who "helped me succeed, helped me get to this day."

Then, from around the room, came a flood of encouragement from parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and extended family members.

"I want to know what that letter says," said Anna Borland-Ivy, who tutored Hock in the eighth grade.

Finally, the moment came for Wessel to confer the diplomas.

"Not only did you do well in school, but you're three people I'm glad to send into the world," said Wessel. "I trust you. In the world and in my life. All three of you."

Diplomas tucked under their arms, the graduates and their guests wrapped up the afternoon sharing cake and reliving memories. All except for Hock. Amid the celebration, he made his way for the door, the unopened letter in his hand.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.