Graduation Shoes

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

High school graduation is a significant milestone in any person’s life. Twelve years of education is celebrated in one special event where each person’s hard work, determination, and perseverance are acknowledged by family, faculty, and peers. Graduation is a big deal. That is why schools work so hard to make the graduation ceremony an exceptional event.

One of the ways schools work to keep the graduation ceremony a unique event is by enforcing a dress code on the students. This helps to maintain an environment that will allow for proper celebration, and allow each student a moment to be recognized.  When students break the dress code, they are often asked to not participate. That is exactly what happened to Daverius Peters when he arrived at his graduation in Boutte, Louisiana.

Hahnville High School required that students wear dress clothes for their graduation. Daverius did not realize that his expensive sneakers did not meet the dress code. He was turned away at the door for his dress code violation. Daverius was shocked, to say the least. As he walked away from the graduation that he had worked so hard for, Daverius was stopped by John Butler.  Mr. Butler was a staff member at Hahnville High School. He knew Daverius and had no intention of letting him miss his graduation. He walked Daverius back to the door and asked the door keeper to let him into the ceremony. Sadly, they would not let Daverius in the building.

Mr. Butler did not take ‘no’ for an answer. He was not going to let Daverius miss his special moment. Mr. Butler reached down and began taking his shoes off. Although his shoes were two sizes larger than Daverius’ size, it worked.  Daverius was allowed to join his classmates and Mr. Butler took one last opportunity to help a student succeed.

It did not matter to Mr. Butler that he would have to attend the graduation without his dress shoes. He wanted Daverius to have the experience he deserved. Mr. Butler did the right thing that night. He started by having his eyes opened to any need around him. When Daverius’ need presented itself, Mr. Butler offered his time and shoes to help. Each of us can help make life special for someone. Like Mr. Butler, we simply need to keep our eyes open for the needs around us. When we see a need, we simply offer our time, talent, and gifts to others so that they will experience life’s joy.

– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship