The year 2000 graduating class from Homewood High School was confident, but impatient. Some had been scholars, others were sports heroes, a few were cheerleaders while most were just glad to graduate. The future was their gift. Little did any of them know how much their lives would change within the next ten years. None of these young impetuous students could have imagined the tragedy of September 11, 2001 or predict the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. Who among these enthusiastic graduates could have foreseen the tragic New Orleans flooding, or the election of the first African American United States President? Yet, all this came to pass in just ten short years. This is the story of how these events shaped the lives of a few members of this class and their parents. Some found love, while others lost it forever. It's a common story, but honor lies in the telling.

Following high school, Roland A. Radford, joined the United States Marine Corps and served honorably for six years including a tour of duty in Viet Nam. While in the military and stationed in Philadelphia he enrolled in college at the University of Pennsylvania where he completed his first two years of college. After being honorably discharged, Roland achieved a Bachelor Degree from the University of Illinois. Next, he received a Master Degree in Human Services from Governors State University, and finally a Master Degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. Mr. Radford worked for the State of Illinois in several civil service positions for thirty-two years. After retiring from state service he continues to work as a substitute teacher for the Chicago Board of Education.