This week began with a Friendship Farewell dinner for Andrew and his group of friends. One of our Moms had done something similar for her son and thought our kids would enjoy it as well. She was right! What a wonderful event! We rented a large room at a local restaurant. We divided the responsibilities between the parents and went to work. The result was awesome!
There were cute little graduation candy jars at each grad's seat. Flowers were placed in mason jars complete with pennants from all the schools the kids are going to.
One of our mom's (who says she is not crafty but clearly mis-spoke - Beth Lees!!!) made this adorable direction sign with the arrows of each of the schools the kids were going to complete with miles from home!
(So glad my miles from home is about to turn into 80 rather than 982!)
We love this boy!
Each parent got a pennant from their child's school and gave it to one of the moms who decorated the room with them. Another mom assembled a video for the dinner.
I was on the "map committee". We made a map, pictured behind Andrew and Caroline. Strings in school colors originated in Pace and strung to the school marked with a pennant.
It was an awesome success. One of the reasons I have tried to capture this here is I would love to do this for Kevin, Sam and Kate when it is their turn. It was truly a blessing to share some time with the kids and with the parents.
Tuesday night we were able to watch Andrew be honored as the Scholar - Athlete for Pace High Cross Country. Each High School selected one senior from each team to represent their sport. It was an honor to listen to all the wonderful accomplishments, both athletic and scholastic, of these seniors across two counties.
We got some pool time in this week! We are enjoying every moment of having a pool outside the back door for as long as we can!
Sam will kill me for this, but I love it!
Kate had "growing up day" at one of the local elementary schools. She got to see what kindergarten is like. Let's just say that she and her BFF were BIG fans!!
Among his AP exams, Andrew had Senior Spirit week. Here he is all dressed up like his dad for Career Day. It is super creepy how much they look alike. Scott even STANDS like this with hands on hips. Wild!
Lastly was the marathon Senior Awards Night...
We got to wrangle with sit with Kate for 3 1/2 hours!
But! In exchange we were able to see Andrew honored for his appointment to the Naval Academy.
I was moved to tears as their Blue and Gold officer shared all that Andrew and Caroline went through to receive the appointment. I cried harder when the entire room stood to their feet in celebration. He was truly blown away as was I.
The assembly rose to their feet several more times as one of Andrew's classmates and friends also received an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy. He also had several classmates who are enlisting right out of high school. All of these students have agreed to serve their country at a young age. What a blessing to see such an expression of patriotism from them and appreciation from the others in the audience.
Thank you Joan for all that YOU did to make this dream come true.
The class as a whole has over $10 million dollars in scholarships. Each Academy "scholarship" has an estimated value of $450,000! Way to go Andrew! Getting into West Point, Navy and Air Force really helped boost those numbers ;)
Andrew was also formally recognized for being selected as a Pace Setter.
This is a very competitive honor where 10 students are selected from the class. The award is based on character and leadership. Andrew has an amazing group of friends and classmates; all who would be more than deserving of this honor. He is truly humbled to be selected.
Lastly, he received his honor cords to be worn with his cap and gown.
It has been a crazy busy week with all sorts of activities and celebrations. One week from today we will have a high school graduate. We are so grateful for all the people who have poured into the life of our son. Everyone from Teachers to School Counselors to Scout Leaders to Camp Counselors to Coaches to Family and Friends have played a role in molding Andrew into the young man he is today. It is my prayer that he would continue to walk with Christ through out college and into adulthood.
We are truly blessed.
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