Homeschool Graduation, and why I was late with my posts!

Sometimes my work with the homeschool group gives me an opportunity that I would otherwise never had been blessed with. This year's Graduation Ceremony was one of those special opportunities that I will always remember.

For a variety of reasons our group has not put on a Graduation Ceremony for the last few years. Several families have chosen to have their own personal ceremonies rather then a larger group event.

This year in an effort to create a larger sense of family I took over graduation. Using my super secret talent, I found the most amazing graduation committee to help me.

We began with an award ceremony for the little ones. Their parents e-mailed me the "Award" each student was to receive. (This was actually a secret ploy to get families to come to the ceremony even if they didn't have a graduate.) These students each received a gold medal on a ribbon and a mini candy bar.

Then we awarded our volunteers who helped with activities over the year. These wonderful parents put a lot of time and energy into planning and organizing a ton of events for our kids. Each of them received a single rose. (Remember that secret ploy I told you about?)

Now it was time for the big event. Our four seniors walked down in forest green caps and gowns and elegantly took their place on stage. We were then privileged to see the autobiographical movies that each of them made. This gave everyone a sense of knowing who these four fantastic individuals are. (They were really cute babies too.)

I've had the privilege of knowing E.B. the longest of this group. She is a darling who works with children with special needs. The second oldest of six children, her baby brother was born with down syndrome. I have always enjoyed the sparkle that shines in her eyes as she plays with him.

At well over six foot D.B. towers over the rest his class. This "gentle giant" was always willing to lend a hand moving tables and helping set up. D.B. is an incredibly talented actor and I am going to miss seeing his performances. I know his basketball team is going to miss him even more. In his free time D.B. is very involved in 4-H and bull riding.

Tiny, doll like, B.T. brightens any room she enters with a warm winning smile. She makes you feel like your her best friend even if you've only just met. B.T. just got back from a mission trip to Peru. But don't expect this world traveler to settle down, she is off in the fall to Vietnam to teach English as a second language as she works with her family's mission.

R.W. would be the class clown, yet he has a dignity and purpose that prevent you from ever thinking he is foolish. This charismatic leader has also returned from a mission trip in Peru where he played worship music for audiences in the hundreds. At, 16, he is the youngest in the class. But, R.W. is not letting his age slow him down any, he is off to Hawaii (lucky) to join WYAM. He will be serving over seas as he completes his training.

Aren't you just in love with these guys? I know I am.

Our surprise graduate, (at least to her) was D.R. A homeschooling mom of two boys, this wife, mother, real estate entrepreneur, and board member found the time to finish her B.A. in Accounting! (That just makes my head hurt!) Since she was unable to make it back to Arizona to walk with her class, we surprised her and had her walk for us. (black gown and all) in lieu of a diploma her husband presented her with a bouquet of roses.

Then the real fun began. We loaded our Grads into a limo and moved the party to a country estate where they enjoyed an evening of swing dancing, (instructors provided) under twinkling white lights with their family and friends.

Doesn't that just sound like the ending of a fairy tale?

Well, the fairy godmother was a little busy, after these things just don't organize themselves! Also, the magic computing devices she uses to do mundane things like create programs and directions decided to wipe out its memory. It's also the same computer she uses to write post to her beloved readers. Please forgive me my darlings, I'm back! (on Mr. March's computer for now.)