The One With DHS Graduation

 

 

Today was graduation day at DHS. And, for Kiff, who is a junior, it was a memorable day. First, it marked the final time that he would perform with band at graduation. And, because he is top twenty in his class, he was asked to be an usher for the graduation.

As a result, Emmie and I decided to attend the graduation. It was a fantastic ceremony. Not only was it fun to see Kiff perform in it for the last time, it was great to cheer on the two dozen or so kids we know who were moving onto college. 

 Overall, the speeches were good. They did the standard have the four officers talk about the different stages of school - elementary, middle, high school and looking toward the future. And, the three student speeches were interesting as well. 

It is hard to believe we have one more of these to go and then we are graduating ourselves as DHS parents. 

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 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!!!