Graduation Class of 2009

Well, it's official. Our baby is a high school graduate. She graduated last Thursday night and we are so proud of her. Our county does not do valedictorians anymore but instead, all kids with a 4.0 are considered first in their class and get the honor of walking before everyone else, Stephanie marched 6th out of her class of 200 or so. There were only 14 Honor Graduates this year and she was one of them. She received special recognition at graduation and at awards night.

• Honor Graduate - Gold Stole & Metal to wear at graduation. Given for maintaining a 4.0 or higher through all 4 years of high school.
• National Honor Society - White Stole & Metal to wear at graduation.
• Presidential Excellence award - Certificate signed by the President & a pin.
• Greensboro Scholarship given by Birmingham Southern College - $12k per year x 4 years
  
• Excellence in Advanced Placement Anatomy
• Photography Student of the year.
• She also got to paint a brick in her Advanced Placement Calculus class for getting an A.

People keep asking us if we're sad because she's graduating and growing up and all that stuff. Flat out, no we are not sad. We are happy. Not because she's growing up. But because she is growing up into such an outstanding young lady. We are overflowing with joy at her achievements. We are proud of her determination and drive. She sets goals and reaches them. And we are proud of ourselves. She could not have gotten here without good parents behind her. Her growing up does not mean that our job is done. There is still more for her to do, more for her to learn and accomplish. I signed on for life, not just 18 years or until graduation from high school. Not only is graduation her reward for a job well done, it's ours as well.

In September she will be starting her Freshman year at Birmingham Southern College. She is so excited already. We received a class list about a week or so ago and she was just beside herself with the classes she has the opportunity to take. She does not view them as classes she "has to take", instead, she views them as classes she "gets to take."

Congratulations baby!!!! We are so proud of you every day!