Each May I offer to evaluate presentations by students who have worked all year on a project of their own choosing. Sometimes I have a connection with the speakers. Sometimes not. This week I plunked down in the front row with a clipboard and two sharpened pencils ready to listen.

One of the talks was about auto mechanics. The young man had dressed appropriately with grease on his face and clothes, and showed us slides of a dozen dirt bikes, motorcycles, and old cars. The vintage model Vega that was the focus of his efforts was pretty rusty. He described the process and challenges of refurbishing a car that is older than his father, and how much he enjoyed it. I on the other hand do not even change my own oil. But listening to him talk was both interesting and informative. I did not expect that.

Another young man had taken on creating a landscaping business. His pictures included ones from his childhood, riding tractors when he was three, pushing wheelbarrows at age two. He had spent a slew of hours learning how to run his own business, and making people's yards more beautiful. It is an impressive accomplishment for someone not yet old enough.... never mind. Impressive for anyone. 

The topics these seniors take on vary widely. One did rubber noses. Another raised money for Make a Wish. But what touches me the most is that simply being a witness to what someone cares about, and has worked on, is holy ground. Even if it is covered in oil.