Graduation Weekend

I still remember very distinctly a September morning in 1994 when my little tow-headed 3 year old son clutched the hand of his teacher on the first day of preschool. He was shy, quiet, and unsure about the whole situation but he tightly held onto that hand and walked off with her for his first school experience. Now, nearly 16 years later, my little boy graduated from High School! The whole graduation experience with him was emotional and personal. You see, he is part of a class of only 18 students... most of them have been together for all four years (even more), ... and I know each of them personally because I work in the same building. So, to see them all in their gowns and caps, was emotional. The ceremony itself was very intimate and personal starting right away when the raduates walked in with one parent on each arm as Pomp and Circumstance played in the background. I really tried hard to hold in the tears so that I would not be crying in the pictures that were taken at this point. Midway through the ceremony the graduates handed out flowers to their loved ones and then we listened to their testimonies as they thanked those they wanted to show appreciation to. The ceremony laster a good 1.5 hours and was the nicest graduation I've ever been to.


Since the parents walked in with the graduates I do not have any pictures of that. There was a photographer there taking pictures so possibly I can scan that picture when I get it.


During the ceremony



Salutatorian Curtis Lake


Valedictorian Alyssa Frees


receiving his diploma from Principal Masseth (sorry it is blurry: zoom lens +movement = blurry arg!)



walking out after the ceremony



with grandma and grandpa Olson


with mom and dad



Showing off his diploma!!



C.J. wouldn't let us take many pictures after the ceremony but we were able to get some: with friend Betsy.


an informal one with Science teacher Mr. Davis


with History teacher Mr. Winkels



and with friends James and Rachael



After the ceremony we had a joint party with 50+ people from all four sides of the family. Despite the fact that it rained it went fairly well. We served hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats, with side dishes and had a ton of food left over!







On Sunday, Lauren graduated from Omro High School. There was a huge difference between the two graduations. I was, quite frankly, shocked that kids came to graduate in shorts, jeans, high high top tennis shoes, and flip flops!! It was just very informal and impersonal and a complete letdown after yesterday's ceremony. At least Lauren looked wonderful in her new dress and high heeled shoes.