It went exceedingly well. It was a very smooth and professional ceremony. It started with the standard "Pomp and Circumstance", followed by the Salutatorian's speech, then a very nice flower presentation from each graduate to their Mother (or other), next was the Valedictorian's address and several Awards. The Graduates gave yet another award (we had dedicated the Gym to him last week) to our excellent retiring Gym Teacher Curtis Granderson Sr. (Dad of the Tiger's player). Our Alderman showed up as well to give out some awards. We then had the "faux" presentation of diplomas (they were handed out in their home room after the ceremony) followed by the graduates singing "Lean on Me" by Ben E. King. The ending was very upbeat with all the kids almost jogging out of the auditorium in very orderly fashion to David Bowie's "Young Americans".While I expected to see most of the girls crying, I was amazed to see how many of the boys were crying as well (I remember thinking "I'm glad to be done with this place" when I graduated 8th grade). They are (and always have been) a very close group (which is quite an accomplishment when they number over 90). The teachers have told us every year what a good group they've been (this group was the first in our school's history to test above the 90th percentile in science as a class). I remember Jen telling us last summer that she didn't want to go to 8th grade, she just wanted to go directly to High School. We told her that this would be the most fun year of elementary school and was not something to be pushed aside or ignored. She understands now, (probably too much) because she's quite sad as she is the only one in her class going to her selected school (something we asked about multiple times previously and she said it never bothered her). Her entire class is split right down the middle with about half going to the local H.S., and the rest divided between CPS selective enrollment schools (Jen passed on the one that wanted her), Tech schools, military academy's, and private/parochial schools. Her best friends are split right down the middle between these schools as well. Instead of feeling up about graduation and her chosen future, right now she's feeling down about missing everyone.
We had her Graduation party last Saturday (the 9th), and it went exceedingly well, all her friends (even the boys) showed up (man, can those kids EAT!). She had the privilege of having the 1st Grad party of her class, and the distinction of everyone showing up (as there were no other conflicting parties). It was funny to see the kids floating by our house who weren't invited but clearly wanted to crash. They were even more surprised when we told some of them to come on over. On graduation day, both Jen and her friends said what a great party it was. I asked Jen multiple times if we did anything to embarrass her, she said "no" and that it was perfect.
So is she.
Congratulations Jen!
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