Josh’s High School Graduation
Make sure to put in the slides that have his baby pic. And also the ones that tell their plans after HS
HOW ARE WE ALREADY HERE? I feel in total denial. And things don’t get easier the second time around. I’ve been a weepy mess all month. He’s so ready to move on, but I’m not!
Graduation week started on Sunday with Seminary Graduation. I’ll never cease to be impressed with early morning seminary graduates. They lose hundreds of hours of sleep during their teenage years, and have to have such discipline to get up every morning. I think it really solidifies what is important in life, and even though they are more tired, they are more centered and grounded. In the world today, that is no small thing. Josh-I hope this sacrifice sets a pattern in your life-put what is most important first, and the rest will have a way of working itself out. I felt such JOY being with these cute teens. They have been such a strength and support to each other.
One of the highlights of graduation season is the Erie High School Graduate Walk. Each year, graduating seniors return to their roots, walking the halls of the elementary and middle schools they once attended—this time in caps and gowns, cheered on by students just beginning their own educational journeys. It makes me cry every time I even think about it. It starts with the Walk of Champions down the halls of EHS. Then they all load busses and head to their elementary schools. Josh was shocked at how many teachers recognized him and shouted his name. Boys change A LOT from 5th grade to 12th grade-and that is such a testament to how much teachers care and love the students they get to work with. I have been feeling so grateful for all the impactful adults that have been part of Josh’s journey. THANK YOU TEACHERS!
In addition to his full tuition scholarship from BYU, Josh also won a scholarship from the Erie Education Foundation. It was a fun evening celebrating at the reception.
Next up was night of reflections. And it was so great! We were outside in Tiger Stadium on a lovely evening. All the Seniors were dressed in their academic regalia, and we got to celebrate all their many achievements. Mrs Stingly and Mr Rupp were the perfect MCs.
This was the second-largest graduating class in EHS history, with 401 students. By the end of this night, Josh was dripping in cords and medals. 46 Seniors earned a perfect 4.0 every semester of their HS career, earning them the Medal of Distinction.” Josh was one of them. 25 Seniors Earned their AP capstone cords and special diploma seal indicating the took 4+ AP classes and also completed AP Seminar and AP Research. Josh was one of them. 95 Seniors earned the distinction of “AP Scholar” based on their AP exam performance. Josh was one of them. There were 59 Seniors who were part of the National Honors Society. It’s a prestigious organization that acknowledges students who excel in academics, demonstrate leadership qualities, contribute to their community through service, and uphold high standards of personal conduct. Josh was one of them. And 16 Seniors earned their Academy of Engineering diploma seal of advanced specialization in engineering coursework, and the capstone achievement (The dreaded HERC NASA project). Josh was one of them.
Can I say, “PROUD MAMA??””
We were reminded that these kids started freshman year in Covid Masks, attending hybrid school. Sophomore year they got driver’s licenses and learned to survive in the wild jungle of the EHS parking lot. They experienced, “The adrenaline rush of turning left at peak traffic, even though the sign says, “Right Turn Only.” They survived the academic rigors of Junior year. And Senior year brought the “Year of Lasts.” Which I’m pretty sure was much more sad for the parents than it was for the Seniors.
Brandon Bird was nominated to give the teacher address. It was so good! Here’s the highlights:
- Enthusiasm. It’s something you can choose. It means being present. Not cynical people don’t love perfect, they love real.
- Resilience. The question is Not did you win, but did you grow? Fail until you succeed. Don’t get bitter get better.
- Integrity. Choose what’s right instead of what’s easy. Hold the line today so your future self can cash in tomorrow.
- Excellence. Be better than you were yesterday. Be willing to do the work. It’s the aggregation of small gains.
And what does that spell??? ERIE!
Finally the big day was here. Nat and Michael and the boys drove out to be with us. Carlie and Dan also came. That is real love–to come to a HS graduation where you know exactly ONE person. Grandma and Grandpa were on a big Europe trip that was booked before we knew graduation dated and they were so sad to miss.
Mr. Fishman gave a great speech. Here are the highlights:
A man falls into a hole . Several people walk by before he finally sees a friend. His friend jumps in the hole and the man says, “are you stupid, now we are both stuck.” But the friend says, “I’ve been here before and I know the way out.” It’s inevitable that along life’s path, you will fall into a metaphorical hole. The question isn’t “how do you avoid it?” The question you need to ask yourself is: “How do you live your life in such a way that there are people willing to jump in your hole when you get stuck?”
Be vulnerable
Be brave
Be thoughtful
In true to them fashion, Josh and his friends played Block Blast through the whole ceremony. Before we knew it, Josh’s name had been called, he walked across the stage, tassles were moved from right to left, caps thrown in the air, and Josh was an official HS graduate.
But we weren’t quite finished celebrating. First, presents at home for our cute little prospective Cougar. BOLT THE SUPER DOG sent him a congratulatory message! Little boy dream unlocked.
We ended the evening with The Grad Party. This time we decided to do all kinds of sliders and desserts. I think it turned out so fun! We had a blast celebrating with all our friends, family and neighbors. I sat back looking around and couldn’t help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for all the many people who have helped shape Josh. And to see them all in one place made my heart want to burst. How lucky are we to have such great people in our lives?
Josh, they always say it’s not graduation, it’s commencement. It’s not an end, but a beginning. And I have a feeling this is the beginning of some really great things to come. Even though I am so sad for this chapter to end, I can’t wait to see all the adventures that are coming your way. Love you!
