A Really Big Day for Lillie—Graduation Day

It seems like just yesterday Lillie graduated from 8th grade and we were looking at the county’s book of graduation requirements for high school and trying to map out her four years, trying to make sure she took all the required courses. And now she is done!  She graduated this week!  And she worked so hard. She ranked very high in her class (top 5%), did well on all her AP exams and excelled in track and on her violin. We could not be more proud of her. She really was outstanding in every way!!  

We got to the arena early and the stage was set!

We were so proud to see her name in the program with all her honors!!  She had one of the longest list of achievements!!

The orchestra was ready to go. It was bitter sweet to see them without Lillie as their concertmaster. That was HER seat and to see them without her was poignant. 

She gathered with her classmates in the back. 

Then the processional started. And we waited to see her walk in and there she was with all her honors and achievement ropes and her graduate with distinction medal and her national honor society shawl. She looked so happy!

We could see where she was sitting as the program went along. 

Then just like that they announced her name and she shook hands with the principal and walked off the stage as a honors graduate!!

After the ceremony we found her. Our family had sent a bunch of leis. So she was lucky to have the Hawaiian tradition of layers and layers of leis piled high. She looked so festive. She saw a few friends and then we were off to celebrate her at her favorite restaurant, The Melting Pot. 

Later that evening the school had a party for all the seniors. It was from 11PM until 4 in the morning. They rented Dave and Busters, an arcade and bowling center and had all you can eat buffet and soft drinks. Lillie had a lot of fun!!

The day was so festive. We hope Lillie had a good time celebrating all her hard work in high school and being recognized for all the honors she deserved!!