Evan's 5th Grade Graduation

It was about this time last year that I was sitting in a conference room in our school district's administration building.  I was going over Evan's proficiency based testing scores with the director of the gifted and talented program.  She was being very matter of fact with me.  Even with passing test scores, allowing a student to skip a grade isn't a clear cut decision.  I didn't give her an answer right away.  I told her that I would need to talk to Jason and pray about it.   Her eyes changed when I said that.  That's when her demeanor became a little more gentle, she looked at me and told me that she'd pray too.  

Jason and I talked and prayed for a month.  Most everyone that we talked to thought letting Evan bump up a grade was a great idea.  Part of the process included all of Evan's present and former teachers, along with his principal and vice principal interviewed for their opinion of the skip.  They said that Evan could take on this challenge!  We did have a few people tell us that they thought it was a bad idea.  We respected every opinion. After many conversations, all of our "what if's?" turned into "why nots?" We signed the paperwork and Evan went from being a third grader to a fifth grader.

I was on pins and needles the first few weeks of the school year.  It just felt like we were taking a huge risk.  It didn't take long for us to see that Evan was right where he belonged.  In fact, he was excelling.  And that brings us to tonight, Evan's 5th grade graduation.  Here's me and my big guy!

Payton wanted to take a picture with me too.  I love this one!  We kind of look alike. =)

The fifth grade class walked in while Pomp and Circumstance was playing.  I had to choke back tears.  Next we watched a slideshow.  Why must every slideshow have sad songs?   The sports trophies were handed out first.  Evan and my nephew, Stephen, both got a trophy for winning 2nd place in the basketball tournament.  Then, all of the students were given their awards.  Evan got his 5th Grade Diploma, a state reading award, Outstanding Academic Student, Top AR Student, Perfect Attendance 4th Quarter (although he missed yesterday), A Honor Roll 4th nine weeks and all second semester, and earned $155 for Books for Bucks. 

After all of the students received their awards, they performed the song "Seasons of Love" along with their school anthem.

After the ceremony, we stopped to take a few pictures of our graduating boys.  The next time these boys graduate, they will be graduating from high school! If only time could slow down just a little.

Evan and Stephen

cousins and friends

After the graduation, we went out for milkshakes.  It was a great night!  I know that Evan and Stephen both will do great in middle school.  God equipped both of these boys for amazing things!