We’ve celebrated a LOT of things over the years, but the last day of school Walk of Fame is my most favorite of all. It’s not elaborate or expensive, but it makes me happier, prouder and more excited than any of the others and is a small thing to remind the boys of how much we love them and just how proud we are of them. Here goes year thirteen…
Just like I’ve done since John finished Kindergarten, I lined the sidewalk with signs touting their accomplishments, both in and out of the classroom, from the past year. As for the mechanics of it all, I stake the signs lining the sidewalk (or driveway). I print out 10-11 pages for each child on cardstock. I have a personal notebook that I use every single day for lists, ideas, to-dos, etc. It is helpful to start a running list of ideas for their signs at the beginning of the school year. John is on the right side this year, and Whit is on the left.
The Walk of Fame celebrates the year’s accomplishment, achievements and milestones from in and out of the classroom. I like to include things that I know they are proud of, as well as items that makes us proud as parents.
It’s hard to believe Whit has already finished his freshman year. He faced the most difficult academic schedule yet with a full schedule of honors and AP classes, as well as things like science fair being required. We hit a few bumps in the road, and he worked harder than ever before, but he landed himself on the highest honor roll all year. He continued to shine at the cello, and loved having that respite in an otherwise pretty grueling schedule. He made a lovely new group of friends and I hate to say that I barely know them. It’s hard when they all come from private, public and home-based middle schools across the county and converge here (remember he’s at a math, science and tech school). The JOY of his first year of high school was making the Varsity Golf Team. He played in the #2 position all season, with a senior as his partner. And, he earned his varsity letter at the end of year banquet. Whit has a servant’s heart and logged 77 hours of community service this year. This was all on his own – his school neither requires nor tracks service hours for recognition. He spent about 2/3 of his time in K-9 Corps – a group of students that train and research bloodhounds under the supervision of a retired secret service officer. With the rest of his hours, we found he has a passion for senior citizens and special needs young adults. We did these hours together – playing soccer, working at summer camps and doing afternoon hang outs with the young adults and then playing bingo on the weekends with the seniors. Whit continues to be involved in our church, and makes plenty of time for video games and puppy antics. I look at this picture of my “baby” and can’t imagine where the time went.
This one is almost hard for me to type. John’s “last” walk of fame. (I put that in quotes because I’m not sure this is truly the last. HAHA) He graduated with an impressive GPA and outstanding SAT scores, gaining him admittance to his top 3 universities – Auburn, Florida State and Clemson – among others in and out of state. He has the BEST group of friends that we are thankful for every day, and that I will miss dearly in the coming years. I have so loved hosting their celebrations, cheering them on from the sidelines of all their sports, and bearing witness to their special friendship both in our home and in our community. The JOY of John’s senior year was being selected as a Raider Boy. This is a coveted position and one he threw his heart and soul into. :-) He was a fixture on the field in varsity lacrosse, earned the Scholar Athlete award, and continued with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In 31 days we move him to Auburn for his next chapter. He will study engineering, was admitted to the honors college, earned a nice scholarship and has already pledged a fraternity. To say I am proud would be the understatement of the year. He is ready to soar! WAR EAGLE!
The blink of an eye.
There is so much to be proud of and happy for that I haven’t had a chance to be sad. I love these boys, and every stage and phase even more than the last. <3
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You and Honey have done an outstanding job of raising two fine young men who I know are destined for great things in life. Congratulations to both John & Whit on all their achievements this year. I have a friend who trained and worked with bloodhounds in the correctional system and other outside search and rescue organizations, so I really am impressed that Whit is working with the K-9 corps at such a young age. Savor these last weeks before John heads off to Auburn. I know there will some tears shed but happy tears.