It's my most favorite night of the school year: commencement! Students are dressed in their graduation caps and gowns with a giddiness about them that may have been missing since the first day of kindergarten. Parents line up at the door, anxious to snap a picture of their child receiving a diploma. Parents hold back tears as memories flood their mind about the funny picture that was taken of the soon-to-be graduate in the bathtub or with a cowboy hat on or in that first princess dress. There's a lot of emotion on this night — and it is good.

It's good because graduating from something and moving on to the next academic or vocational arena still means something. These students are proud as the diploma is handed to them. It symbolizes a job well done. An accomplishment happened, and now it's time to commence a new beginning.

That is why we refer to our ceremony at Oakland Christian School as Commencement. For us, the night isn't about ending a career; it's about beginning a new chapter. A chapter that includes the seniors AND the other classes at the school. The junior class becomes the leaders of the school. Eighth graders move to high school, fifth graders on to middle school, kindergarten students move to a desk in the first grade, and with each passing year, parents wish to hold on for one more minute.

I had the same experience earlier in the day. My son graduated with his class from kindergarten. I thought, "how fast these six years have gone," and then thought later that night, "these parents are thinking the same thing: 'how fast it goes and how much life changes.'"

The entire day was inspiring for me. I was inspired as an educational leader because I know that, more than ever, right now we have an opportunity in education that we have never seen. We need to ensure that schools do not fall behind in how they incorporate technology into everyday use. (Our students use Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites almost every moment of the day). This is also education's chance to once again lead the world in science and math instruction. Students need to understand that they are blessed with creativity, and it's a gift that should be used in school (and given credit for). Finally, today's education leaders have an opening to start meeting students where they are, not where we think they should be.

This is a good time to be in K-12 education. The world is transforming, and strong, authentic leaders will step to the front. The means by which we educate may not look like the old factory, but it's time to make a few changes to the old system. I have 12 years before my son commences another chapter in his life, and I know it will go by fast. So for him and every other child born in the 21st century, I'm inspired to lead this generation, not by talking about 21st-century skills, but by actually using them. Quick, we need to hurry, I can already hear “Pomp and Circumstance” off in the distance.