GRADUATION!

The last two years, graduation has been SO emotional. And when other people are emotional, I become a hot mess. I brought so many tissues to graduation with me today. And as it turns out, I didn’t cry a single time! Neither did anyone else. Except Jose, but he’s Latino, so I think that’s as good an excuse as any. Today wasn’t sad. It was one big party. I love my extended family in this community, and I am going to miss those who are leaving SOOOOO much. But I was so excited to have a FUN celebration with them all today that didn’t involve blubbering or swollen eyed photos.

This class was in 8th grade when I came. Some of them have been here since kindergarten! That’s a BIG DEAL in a community this transient. I first taught them in 9th grade, and some of them I taught for all four years of high school! In this group of 19 seniors, there is only one that I haven’t taught, and that’s only because he just transferred to our school this year and didn’t take a senior math class.

There are 8 different nationalities represented in this class, and SO many different talents and gifts! They announced today that the total amount of scholarship money offered to these 19 students is $980,000. That’s almost a MILLION dollars! For these 19 kids. Because they are THAT talented and amazing! They have worked so hard, and it shows.

I don’t normally take pictures of people, much less of myself WITH people, but I forced myself to today. So here is possibly the largest number of photos of myself that I have ever taken or posted of myself EVER. Oh, and a few of graduation too. XD

First thing I noticed about the seniors in their cute little gowns – these boys have no clue how to sit with them on. I was cracking up…

We only had 2 valedictorians this year (half as many as we had last year). They both gave such simple, yet such profound speeches. Speeches that I will actually remember. I love both of these girls, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

That verse on the wall is part of their class verse. Every senior class has a retreat at the beginning of the school year where they set their goals for the year and pick what verse they want to guide their year. I think that is an awesome tradition. Because the school didn’t pick it for them. They chose it together.

In the middle of the ceremony, they showed a slideshow of the senior class. Unbeknownst to everyone in the audience (except me) the seniors sneakily inserted a video clip in the middle of the slideshow of them doing the Harlem Shake dressed in RIDICULOUS costumes. I knew about it. Because they made me do it with them! Can you spot me busting a white girl move?

The audience about died! It was hilarious and embarrassing all at once. After that, our departing assistant superintendent gave the graduation address (or whatever you call that).

The class of 2013.

All of our administration is 100% bald. It’s kind of funny, really.

Finished. Tassels are turned. BERHASIL!

And now for the after party photos. We all hung around chatting and snacking and hugging and taking pictures and saying goodbyes and OK – even crying a little bit – together for hours. Like I said, I LOVE this community!

                   

And this last one cracks me up and I don’t even know why.

Happy graduation, everyone!!