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!!!

Happy Graduation

Well, the day finally came. Like a whisper in the wind.

The day that Kiff finally graduated from preschool.

We knew it would happen. But, it seemed like it would be forever before he would be in preschool, let alone graduate from it. Those first few steps. His first few words. That sparkle in his eye when he played with his first few cars. It was only the foundation.

Then, came the day when he first went to preschool. What a moment that was. We decided to send him for two years instead of one, so we knew the journey would be slow, but steady. 

And we were right. For two years, he enjoyed the fun, learning, and joy of preschool. Sure, there were some bumps along the road. Worrying if his parents were late to pick him up (they weren't), or who he might play with, or if his best friend was going to be there.

But, one this was always a constant...preschool. He was there.

Magically, this journey has come to a close and a new chapter has begun. It is hard to believe. But this past Friday, June 6th, Kiff graduated preschool at 4:00 PM. Both sets of grandparents were there to see him. He marched in with cap and gown. He sang. He even danced (to the Tooty-Tah). 

And then, it was time to leave school (or in this case the YMCA gym for graduation) one last time. A slow march down the hall...and onto kindergarten,

Congratulations Kiff. One chapter down in the long book. A new one is waiting for you.