How do you prepare yourself for your firstborns’ High School graduation? I don’t know either. Maybe by the time my last son Gabriel goes through it, I’ll have heaps of advice and I’ll feel like a pro…but not yet. So until then, I think I’ll just live in the now, feeling grateful…blessed…good enough, and humbled at God’s grace and answered prayers.
Back when we moved to Berks County from Woodbridge, New Jersey, I was excited and hopeful of the prospect that my children might be able to attend school with peers from Preschool and/or Kindergarten through to their graduation day from High School. I know friends change through the years, but the idea always sounded fulfilling to me at least. I changed schools in 2nd grade, and 7th grade, and it was a bit of a challenge. I always felt that I missed out on long term connections and I’d hoped to give that to my children. I’m thankful again for answered prayers.
Because Morgan’s birthday was in August, he missed the cutoff here in Berks County to start Kindergarten for the upcoming school year. In the end it worked out – God always has a much better plan than I do! So we decided to enroll him in one more year of preschool with Tyler, who would be attending for his first year. At least they had each other…friends making friends.
And so it all began with letters written in crayon and climbing play-sets only 3 days a week to nervously entering Kindergarten. Connecting with old and making new friends every year hitting baseballs, going on school trips, and entering the middle school (taking you by surprise when you notice there isn’t a play-set on the school yard anymore). More bus stops, sports, band concerts, drivers licenses, and first jobs – some at the local pizzeria or local grocery store. And before you know it, they’re wearing their caps and gowns…the last milestones together as they “go out” into the world. Wow.
And then the big day arrives. While it seems like no Perry in my house appreciates my needs for key position when it comes to photographing events, Morgans high-school sweetheart Naomi did, and saved a seat for me front and center. The weather couldn’t have been better, and it made for comfortable viewing of the graduation, and for great pictures.
During the ceremony, the speakers take some time to recognize and award individuals who have received scholarships. For some, this is the first they’ve heard about it, including Morgan. He was blessed to receive a scholarship from the Warren Wetzel Scholarship for Technology. His Manufacturing teacher Mr. Auker, mainly recommended Morgan. Mr. Auker emailed us to share that he and Morgan often spoke about the goings on with Morgans’ Celica, and the work he and Steve were doing, and letting us know that he enjoyed getting to know Morgan and looked forward to seeing him walk at Commencement. What kind words and gesture, and such a pleasant surprise for all of us!
As it was time to award diplomas, the administrators asked for applause to be held as each student walked. For me, the silence gave brevity to that special and rewarding moment, allowing for reflection. More often than not I feel as though the failures outweigh the successes when it comes to my parenting. But in this moment, I felt as though I could share in the grace of God with a humbled heart in this success. That walk of pride and achievement in receiving the long-awaited diploma, presented by Mr. Raudenbush, the School Board President, Mrs. Cindy Mierjewski, the Superintendent, and Mr. Mitchell, the High School Principal, is such a treasured moment. Even Mrs. Lash, Morgans’ Little Lamb Preschool teacher (and our other boys’ as well), was present as she is also the School Board Vice President. And fortunately, a photographer from our local newspaper the Reading Eagle, snapped a shot of Morgan shaking hands and being congratulated by Mr. Mitchell – I love that photo.
In High School Band, part of the course requirement is participating in Commencement, so Tyler played in the band during the ceremony. He will be graduating next year!
It was a nice ceremony, and I really can’t say enough here about the planning and execution of it as well as the many years of attention and time given by all the teachers and administrators from day one. I know that it’s probably like a greased wheel – doing the same thing each year, but it seemed personal enough to feel special. I really appreciate it.
Thankful that Steves’ and my parents were able to attend and share in the graduation, as well as my brother Josh (who also graduated from SV), and his two sweet little boys, Jackson and Miles. Gabriel was proudly holding Morgans’ envelope, which contained his diploma, cap, scholarship award, and a few other relevant papers.
So where to next? Morgan will be studying Automotive Technology at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, also where Josh attended. Naomi will be studying Religion and Pre-Med at Lycoming College, right next door to Morgans’ campus. I believe, and I’m praying, that it’s the best fit for Morgan and that he will find his place and passion. It’s an exciting time!
♥
