Graduation 2014

We did it!  Zach graduated from high school last night.  The ceremony was nicely done.  His class has really faced some challenges that are not forgotten as they graduate high school.  One member died an accidental death before they reached 8th grade. His mom teaches at the high school, so I can only imagine how difficult this year has been for her.  Another has battled cancer twice- 8th grade and senior year.  He made valedictorian and inspires everyone with his faithfulness in adversity.

The ceremony started with a video of the teachers sharing their prayers for the senior class. Zach was recognized a few times in speeches over the course of baccalaureate and graduation.  One speaker mentioned that he will now have to start using his real name- amazing how few people know it.  Another mentioned that because the school is small, people believe the sports aren't good, but several students including Zach will continue their sports in college.  Our valedictorian mentioned that they tried to fit Zach through a tire on senior retreat - would have liked some photos or video of that one :-0

I shed no tears.  Yay me!

ready to go

Savannah was with the band, so she was unable to sit with us.  They lost her music, so she did not actually play.  

scrolling pics of the grads were a prelude to the ceremony

Our family took up a lot of a row.

He's a lifer! Zach has attended the same school for 13 years.  This slide got a big response from his class.

He gets his diploma cover.

hugs the principal

grandpa

cousins

parents and grandparents, hoping the two in Heaven got to take a peek at the celebration

granny

Aunt Tiffany

Aunt Tara

Uncle Jonathan

He lost his tassel one the cap toss.

Uncle Joshua

Mom and Dad

Aunt Tessa, Uncle John, and Kinsley (who was very good for the ceremony I might add)

Dad would not get in the group picture below, so we did this.

We tried to get the whole group then realized my dad snuck out of the picture.

Graduation would not be complete without a photo of these two together.

Josiah and Zach have been friends since middle school.  

Somewhere there is a picture of Zach and Morgan together on their kindergarten graduation day.

Morgan's mom (Mrs. H) was Zach's first grade teacher.

Zach's outstanding writing teacher -Mrs. C

I looked through old photos yesterday and found that I can watch Blake and Zach grow up together in photos.

Zach loved having English with Mr. K.  

We capped off the night with a trip to IHOP.  We were so tired, but it was nice for just the six of us to do something together.  Everyone decided to make Wyatt faces for the picture.  He was pretty whiny and difficult for both the baccalaureate and graduation.  We are all works in progress.

During the ceremony, the graduates present a rose to their parents. This happens to be one of the prettiest roses I have ever seen.

Remember that you can click on any picture to see it bigger.