The One With Bri's Last Spotlight

One of the annual traditions at Highlands School is that the students in each grade present a monthly spotlight at the Friday meeting. The idea is to have a class or grade make a presentation, performance, or play to the others that is related to a theme or event for the month.

Bri has put on five of these in the past, and I have had the chance to see most. I can still remember her speaking in kindergarten in a voice only a ghost could hear. However, these days her voice is much more boisterous.

It was hard to believe, but the last of these spotlights occurred today. In a bittersweet moment, her grade presented a series of speeches, poems, and reflections about Memorial Day (which is this Monday).

As I watched her classmates, many of whom I got to know, take spotlight stage for the last time, it was remarkable, wonderful, and sad (in a good way) to see how far they have come. It truly was amazing.

I looked there one last time and made a memory. Bri has grown up a lot. She has more poise. She is more confident....even if she spoke with a thin whisper one last time today.

What wonderful memories. That you, Bri, for all of the spotlights!

The One With the Spotlight

Yesterday, our daughter had the opportunity to take part in a school performance. And, it was great.

The morning started off a lot of fun with the house brimming with an extra excitement that radiated down the street. Flashing back to days of yore, she adopted her one familiar happy feet as she bounced around the house. She ate fast - put on a dress (she was excited to dress up) - and even asked if she could have a couple of curls in her hair, which Emmie eagerly did.

And was she ready. Because she feared being late, we went straight to school and hopped right in. 

Kiff and I went off then came back to watch the show, and met Emmie there. It was fabulous.   Bri and her class did a rendition of a poem about the months. Students started off reading together, then students month by month appeared in small groups (based on when they were born) to read their "Chicken Soup With Rice" monthly rendition. It was excellent and the kids - all of them - looked fabulous...they really were pretty special to watch...including one of the students who did fabulous with a solo.

At the end, we gave Brighid fives and "knuckles" and hugs. She was so excited about the performance that she asked..."Are we going out to dinner because I did so well?"

Gotta love it.