The One Wit Dramafest Preview show

 

 

 

Last night, Kiff took the stage in his long awaited debut. Emmie had made him vow to be in a play sometime, back when he was in 5th grade. Well last night, it came to fruition. 

Kiff has a part in the student written and student directed production "Dreamscape." We - along with many students, other parents, and several DHS teachers, watched the preview show to see what it was about. And, it did not disappoint.

 It tells the story of a girl (played by one of Kiff's friends) who lives a tough life and is taken into a dream world where her sister lives. However, it soon becomes clear that the dream world is devoid of emotion. Kiff played one of the characters who shows the sister that, while her old life was tough, it did indeed have emotion.

Kiff has a blast doing it and wanted to take it on, knowing that, as a future director, it is important to be able to relate to actors. 

He did a great job and it was an honor to see him on stage. Their production goes to the official Dramafest competition tonight. 

The One With the Band Banquet

 

 

This year, the Danvers Falcons Marching Band decided to do something a little bit different. They invited parents to the annual banquet. It is part of the new principal's idea of creating a larger community at school. And it was a success.

We spent some time in the auditorium where students got some awards. There were a few speeches. We also got the chance to see a neat slideshow, complete with Kiff's amazing leg balancing while standing on a chair, holding G's hand and playing his trumpet in the other moment.

The food and company after were great. It was a fun way to honor an amazing season! 

The One Where Bri Graduates

 

 

 

It is hard to believe it, but today marks the end of an era, a major milestone, a huge achievement. Our daughter, Bri, graduated from Danvers High School. 

 The occasion was both bittersweet and monumental. It marked the end of 13 amazing years in the Danvers schools with a collection of phenomenal accomplishments, as evidenced by her cords and awards on her graduation gown. But, more important, it marked the beginning of an amazing new chapter that she is about to write.

Watching her march onto the field and get her diploma was an emotional moment. In fact, seeing many of these faces we have come to know over the past decade was truly a touching moment. Families we have known and forged friendships with cheering their own children as they graduated was also so moving and touching. And, wondering what those children will do is also quite a feat.

The day was one that we will always cherish. It marked the third generation of Emmie's family to go through DHS. The first included her Mom (though at a different DHS), Uncle Murray and Aunt Nancy. Then, her brother Eric and she graduated. And now Bri represents generation three. What an accomplishment. Adding to the graduation ironies was the fact that I girl I graduated with - who is now a mom - had a daughter graduate with Bri. Wow.

Seeing Bri embrace the future - and her friends - while holding firmly to the memories is something I will savor forever.

Congratulations Bri. I can't wait to see what comes next. Love you, always!!!

The One With the French Honor Society

 

 

Tonight was a fun night for the Forest family. It was the night of the French National Honor Society Induction.

Two years ago, Bri got inducted into the society. This time, it was Kiff's turn. However, what made it more interesting is that Bri is an officer in the honor society. She was in charge of part of the induction, which made the ceremony that much more poignant.

Kiff was the second of the 10th graders in French (and Spanish) to be inducted. Now, we hoped that Bri would personally give him his certificate, but that was relegated to the teachers. She, however, was able to announce his name.

Kiff was not the only one of his friends inducted into a society. Hope (French) and Jason (Spanish) were also inducted,

It is definitely a moment we will never forget.

Kiff becomes the third member of the family besides Emmie and Bri to be a member of a DHS foreign language honor society. Kudos to all! 

The One With Awards Night

 

 

 

Tonight was Danvers Annual Awards Night for students (and parents) at DHS. We received official invited because both Kiff and Bri were receiving awards. However, prior to the arrival of the night, the fun part was guessing which classes they might be getting the awards in. Bri thought French and Kiff thought TV production.

 

Well, the night was even more surprising than we thought. Both Bri and Kiff made out well at the evening, Kiff did indeed get an award for TV production as he thought. But, even better than the award was the kind comments his teacher made when she met us following the ceremony. She made it a point to come up to both Emmie and I speaking about how amazing he was and her goal was to help him pursue his interest in film-making.

 

Bri also made out quite well last night. It turns out that Bri DID get an award for French. However, she also got three more awards. She earned one called the Presidential Achievement Award (I earned that one way back in the day). She also earned one for Medical Interventions and one for A.P. Psychology (which she was particularly proud of). 

 

All and all it was a great awards nice. They have several pins to wear that their respective graduations. And Bri now supplants me with the most awards at a night - four to my two!!!

 

We are extremely proud of them!!!

The One with Bri's Last DHS Band Performance on Stage

 

 

 

 

I just got in a few minutes ago, from helping to put away tables at the DHS Pops night. Although I am a little bit tired - and just dropped Kiff and his friend AD, to his house, I felt I had to make sure to write this down immediately after it happened.

 Tonight was Bri's last time performing in Band on the DHS stage. In fact, it might be her last band performance ever, which is so hard to believe. Years of playing flute, that started in 4th grade at Highlands, has culminated in this moment. 

The Pops night Gala was a fun and memorable night. We actually somehow got tickets right up front, which was amazing. It was neat to see band and chorus members up close and see exactly how they sound. We saw many of Bri's and Kiff's classmates and friends on stage. 

And it was hard to imagine that - for the seniors (who were given special shout-outs all night) - this was their final show.

They played four memorable last tunes - a Chicago (musical) medley, Beuaty and the Beast medley, Bruno Mars medley. They capped it off with a song the Seniors played as freshmen, called "Ruckus."

 It was quite a great scene. There was a brief reception after as well, where we got to see so many of the families we have gotten to know over the years, particularly the Dawes, whose daughter wrapped up tonight as well. She and Bri have done gymnastics, dance, and scouts and eventually Band together. What an amazing run!!!

 It is hard to believe this musical adventure is over for Bri. But, I am hoping there are many more!!!

The One With the Winter Band Concert

 

 

Bri and Chiff had their annual holiday winter concert tonight. As usual, it was an amazing concert. The DHS band performed five songs for the evening. Bri was a featured flute soloist for one of them, which is always fun to see...and hear.

 The night ended with the traditional "Sleigh Ride." It was a ton of fun to hear because they invite DHS teachers to perform. It was an amazing sound!

 All and all a great performance....and a fantastic final winter sendoff for Bri.

The One Where Bri is in the Record Books

 

Earlier today at school, I was talking about Bri to one of my students (who I also had in 5th grade).

 The student said, "Oh, I didn't know you had a daughter."

To which I replied, shockingly, "You had me in fifth grade and you forgot?"

She asked about Bri and I said, if you look up her name and Danvers High School, you might find a picture.

 While she was having trouble finding the name, I decided to look Bri up...and I find out something super cool. As a member of the DHS track team last year, she actually made their record book, kept by Max Preps.

In the 100 meter dash, as a junior, she ranks in the top 20 all time with her score from last year, as you can see below.

 

Even cooler was the fact that she is in the junior record book as well, with a record that will probably stick for a while.  Needless to say, I was super proud!!!
 

The One with Senior Night

 

 

 

Senior Night is a very big tradition at most high schools, and DHS is no exception. We have witnessed the time honored tradition a few times at DHS in the past and on this day we got to be a part of it.

As part of senior night, the seniors in the school are celebrated before the game begins. And tonight, was Bri's night. Following in the tradition, Emmie, Kiff, and I were schedule to walk out on the field with Bri, as she is officially announced to the crowd. 

 

We had to arrive at school early to get lined up in the cafeteria. In what was truly a providential moment, we were lined up behind the Dawes, who we have known for what seems like a lifetime because Bri and Kobi, and Kiff and Garrett have taken part in so many activities together over the years. So, of course, we had to take many pictures of the moment.

We walked out on the field - which was fun - and then Bri was officially announced. Several friends, as well as the band, cheered her on as she marched out officially as a Guard Captain. We paused near midfield to have our picture taken. It was an amazing moment we will al remember.

The One With Open House Night

 

 

Tonight, Emmie and I came back from DHS Open House. It was the fourth Open House we had at DHS, which is always a fun night. As we have done in the past, we had to do a little divide and conquer - particularly where we had both kiddoes up there.

 Emmie took on Kiff's schedule while I went to Bri's...though we did overlap in band. Because Bri had a study, we were able to both go to Kiff's chemistry class - which had some cool experiments. And, Emmie came to Bri's "Hero" English class.

All and all it was fun. What was neat was - like years in the past - the National Honor Society seniors were there to help navigate.  This year, Bri got to be one of them and it was super cool. They were all wearing their blue class of 2025 shirts! Pretty keen.

It was a fun night and we saw lots of families, which makes it extra fun. However, it was slightly bittersweet, too. It marked the 13th - and final - open house we will be going to for Bri. It is so hard to believe!!!

The One Where Bri is a Senior

 

 

 

It happened today much to our surprise.

It happened slowly, but in front of our eyes.

Our little girl has come a long, long way.

She officially became a senior today!

 

It is hard to believe, but Bri's first day of her last year in the Danvers schools started today. As I am typing this, she just came in and is eating after a tiring first day where she spent a ton of time with friends. It is hard to believe that 13 years are starting to come to an end.

 It is amazing and scary at the same time. I can't wait to see what our amazing daughter becomes, though!

The One Where Bri is a Marshall At DHS Graduation

 

 

Bri had quite an honor at graduation today. We actually found out about it a little more than a week ago. According to her story, a few students in band heard that she had been called down to the office. Thinking it was a joke at first, because to of the students were freshman,  she ignored it, then when verified by a fellow junior, went down.

When she arrived in the office, the secretary said, "Can I help you?" When Bri said she was called down, she smiled and pointed to Mr. Federico's office. There, she saw several other students she knew, including Erica.

She soon realized that she was one of the top ten students in her class. As a result, they got to be marshalls at DHS graduation. It is an amazing honor...but it also comes with the perk of community service hours for high school as well.

So, we had the opportunity to see her march in with the seniors. She was at the head of the line of the graduation class, helping them march in. She also motioned for them to move when it was time to get in line for their diploma.

To be honest, seeing Bri in a gown - even though it was gold - was quite a powerful experience...and allowed us to get a little head start on what next year would be like. It was an emotional day for us, and her, as she watched several of her best friends graduate. But, it was an amazing moment for all of us!!!

The One With the Senior Prom

 

 

As if this week could not get busy enough, the senior prom was tonight. First, to get things started, I had to pick up Bri from school and get her to a hair appointment. Those are always fun moments.

Then, Bri had to get ready, which took some time. In the meantime, I made sure the boutonniere and corsage were picked up.

Jack arrived at around 3:30 to make sure they could take off to get something quick to eat and arrive at DHS by 4:30. Parents were then invited to the high school for the promenade - a time when each couple is announced and they walk around the gym. We hung out with Jack's parents, as well as Alaina's mother (Alaina was also going) as each couple circled the gym. It was an amazing scene (though people did leave before everyone walked around, which I thought was a shame).  

Students then boarded the bus and went to Salisbury, where the prom as held. After the prom, Jack's mother acted as chaffeur, getting them to two different all night after prom parties, which quite nice of her to do.

Bri was exhausted - pretty much wiped out all of Friday. But it was a great night!!!

The One With Awards Night

 

 

Not to be undone, we were back at DHS for the third night in a row to attend awards night. That is a night when students at the high school earn awards for the classes they are in. 

We had heard that both Bri and Chiff would be receiving awards at the ceremony. And, that proved out to be true....though it took a LOOOONG time for each of them to be called up.

Bri won the Instrumental Music Award for her work in band...which was amazing.

Chiff won the TV Production Award for his work in TV production...which he loves.

 A fun night - capping off a three day awards ceremony week.

The One With the National Honor Society

 

 

One day after Bri was inducted into the French Honor Society, she was inducted into the National Honor Society. This is an honor given to junior students to be part of the historic high school National Honor Society.

It was an amazing night as Bri was inducted with several friends, such as Erica, Raina, and Alaina. There was a nice ceremony where the officers of the prior year explain the traditions of the NHS and also share a little bit about the requirements of being in it.

Each student was called up for their photo opp moment. However, what was neat is they did about 12 book awards for various colleges. This is an honor bestowed by former alumni of a college to juniors that comes with an actual book, a certificate, and a waiver for applying to the college. Erica got one, but the surprise of the night (at least for us and Bri) is when she was called up to get one.

She earned the Suffolk University Book Award, which was awesome. Ironically, her uncle, Mark went there (so of course, we texted and showed him the picture right away). It was an honor that pleasantly surprised all of us.

What is even more fun is that this marked the second day in a row that Bri got into an honor society that one of her parents was in. I got into the National Honor Society back in high school many year ago. 

The One With Bri's French National Honor Society

 

 

Tonight, we went to DHS for the National Foreign Language Honor Society inductions. Bri was nominated and accepted into Papillon, which is the French chapter of the Honor Society at DHS.

 

What was funny about this is that Bri was actually invited to join last year, but declined, thinking it was extra work. As a result, it was mainly sophomores who were inducted...but there were a handful of juniors as well.

 

It was a quick ceremony - those are always fun - but it marked the first honor society that Bri literally shared with one of her parents. Emmie was inducted into the Spanish version of the society when she was in high school. Very cool!!!

The One With The Spring Concert

 

 

The students had their annual spring concert tonight. And, it was the first time the Kiff and Bri were on the same stage for a spring concert. And it was a treat.

 

First, Bri appeared on stage as part of the flute ensemble. They did a fantastic job performing a collection of songs from Zelda. After the ensembles performed, chorus did. We were able to see a some students that our kiddoes know really well...which was fun. They sounded great.

 

Then it was time for Bri and Kiff to perform with concert band. They sounded AWESOME!!! They performed three songs and sounded fantastic. Although we could not see Kiff - the trumpets were in the back - we definitely could hear them. Bri was first flute and more visible up front...even if the track light above her was out, creating a dark spot on stage.

The show got a standing ovation from the audience, including the superintendent, who sat next to us, and said, "You must be really proud..." which was cool to hear.

All and all a great spring concert!!!

The One With the Danvers High Christmas Concert

 

 

 

This Wednesday, December 20, we went to the annual DHS Christmas Concert. This was the first year Bri and Kiff were in the same concert, which was amazing.

The concert began with the chorus singing. They did a splendid job. Then, there was the saxophone ensemble. They did great. Finally, the DHS band performed.

They were able to take on some different songs than they could in the past. That is because they finally have band all meet at one time. Their songs included several interesting winter ones that were mellow and light. Bri had two solos in one of them. They performed Undertow, which was a hyped up song. And they ended with a classic version of Sleigh Ride, which teachers joining in as well and their principal on the percussion that makes the "snap" sound of the whip. This rendition was as good as the Boston Pops!!!

It was a fun way to usher in the final three days before vaction.