Katie just graduated from 8th Grade. She's at the school now at their end of year dance. Unbelievable ceremony, well done. Highlights:
- In an 8th Grade class of 46 students, 28 attended the school from Kindergarten through 8th Grade;
- Katie received the "Hope of America" award from the Sonora Kiwanis Club. The recipient is selected by the teachers, but the award is from a Kiwanis Member. This is the same club Vicki and I were members of here in Sonora. Katie attended weekly meetings with us until she was 2 years old (Joanie, who presented Katie the award was impressed that she's grown some in the last 11 years);
- Katie was selected as a Twain Harte "Wall Honoree." Each year the 3 or 4 most outstanding 8th Graders have their names painted on the inside of the gymnasium wall, along with the character traits that make them outstanding;
- She and a friend were selected to write and read an essay about their class camping trip;
- She was one of 10 students who were selected for outstanding citizenship/service, due to their active involvement in student government and rallies;
- The head of school athletics named Kate the most inspirational female athlete;
- A slide presentation of all the graduates, showing photos of each as babies and up to now;
- AND, Katie was recognized as the most accomplished 8th Grader in the field of Language Arts. In so recognizing Katie, teacher Kathy Olsen said, about her: "... accomplishments that positively scream out - 'first woman president.'" Can she actually say that?
In addition to the above, I can state that the whole group of kids (yes, even most of the pesky boys) are just an outstanding group of students.
Biggest lesson: This is only a practice, we've got her for four more years before she leaves for college. Enjoy those years, Brad, and make them count.
Leaving tomorrow for another week of camping, highpointing and hiking on the PCT.
