Graduated

Wednesday.  Julia and I left the house at 6:30 a.m. ... and had to go back. She forgot her flute. We still made it to the field before 7:00 - two hours early. It was cold. Damp cold. We could practically drink the air. It felt like it would rain any moment. The kids were being instructed on how to protect their instruments and what to do if it rained during singing. Ugh. 

I was able to take some pictures of her rehearsing the music number ... and being the funny spunky girl we know and love ...

Julia graduated with High Honors.

She should have received the NHS (red/white/blue chord) but didn't turn in her service hours in time.  She had the gold/gold chord for 3.75-4.0 GPA.  Pink Chord for Tri-M Honor Society.

The night before graduation she was honored for her All State achievement (All State Choir). She will have a ceramic plate/tile put on the wall of the High School with her picture and her honor on it. 15 students made the Senior Wall of Honor.

At the Awards Ceremony (and at graduation) we were told that this graduating class of 360 students was awarded 6.4 million dollars in scholarships! Impressive.

By 9:00 a.m. it had warmed up.  A little.  No threat of rain anymore.  It was overcast so perfect for pictures.

Julia marched on the field with her class and went straight to the Band. 

She played the Star Spangled Banner with the band and then walked up and sat on stage. A graduating student addressed the graduating class, a musical number (microphones weren't cooperating with her) another talk and then Julia's musical number. Amazing. I taped it. It is a little giggly because I used my monopod. The sound is beautiful so when you watch it, just close your eyes and soak it in.

 They sang "When You Come Back Down"   Mikaela M sang first.  TJ J. was the next solo.  Madeline G and then Julia had the last solo.  What a beautiful song (and I can hear Julia's beautiful high voice ...)

When they finished, they sat down with the rest of their graduating class and listened to the faculty teacher address them.

I liked what he told them. He said there are 3 types of people. 1 - the people who make things happen. 2 - the people who watch what happens. 3 - the people who say, "what just happened?" He wants them to be the ones who make things happen.  Julia will make things happen.  I know it.

Julia's name was called. And it was over. Wow. 18 years blew by just like that.