Kaleb's last day of school was in December but they had his graduation in January. On the way to the graduation I asked Kaleb if he told his parents it was tonight. He told me he didn't tell them because it's not a big deal. HA! I texted his parents to let them know about the big night. I knew that Melanie and Kevin would have loved to be there but of course the distance makes it a little hard. So I wrote them an email instead trying to remember all the details that I could!
The graduation was at the new school which is actually closer to our house! Bummer Kaleb didn't get to attend there, it is an awesome building! Kaleb introduced me to a couple of friends and we walked around the new building. They brought out refreshments of vegetables and dip, chips and tortilla roll ups, and to drink, we had lemonade. For dessert we had brownies and mini cinnamon rolls.
They then asked the graduates to go to other room where they had a toast with sparkling cider to congratulate them.
Once that was done they all came back to the main room and started the ceremony.
The first speech was Gabe Jones. He was excellent! He talked about how they should be proud to have gone to SAE, even though it wasn't an elite school that the students are the ones that can make their school elite for the future students. He quotes Thomas Jefferson, something about he is going to be a politician, his son will be a business man and then his son will be an artist because artists make us enjoy life. (I can't find the exact quote) He also made fun of Justin Beiber how life is falling apart and all these bad things are happening like Justin Beiber, but thank goodness for the students to make good music to listen to. He told them that they shouldn't be disappointed that they didn't get to go to the new school, just like it took the pilgrims and hand carts to make what we have now.
The first speech was Gabe Jones. He was excellent! He talked about how they should be proud to have gone to SAE, even though it wasn't an elite school that the students are the ones that can make their school elite for the future students. He quotes Thomas Jefferson, something about he is going to be a politician, his son will be a business man and then his son will be an artist because artists make us enjoy life. (I can't find the exact quote) He also made fun of Justin Beiber how life is falling apart and all these bad things are happening like Justin Beiber, but thank goodness for the students to make good music to listen to. He told them that they shouldn't be disappointed that they didn't get to go to the new school, just like it took the pilgrims and hand carts to make what we have now.
He then told a couple different stories. One about how he had an friend from India that was about to have an arranged marriage, he explained that Americans think of marriage as a 50 yard dash but it is actually a marathon. It takes challenges and you have to take it step by step. He related the story to them graduating. They have to work hard for what they earn for the rest of their life.
The second story was about the Van Halen band and how in their contracts for their shows on like page 87 (or something like that) they requested that they want a bowl of M&M's in their dressing room but they want all the brown M&M's removed. The reason they added that in the contract was to see if they had actually read the contract. He then related it saying that it is important to pay attention to detail. They will get the good jobs this way.
The second speaker was Justin Pond, his speech was really short. He talked about pride and how the students shouldn't be too prideful that they won't take in new ideas but that they should be prideful about their work. That they should constantly been learning and keeping an open mind.
The last speaker was Herb Trawick. I guess he is a famous 59 year old YouTuber that has made it big. He said that even though he is old that it was possible. He also talked about how successful he is but I have no idea what his shows are about.
They then announced the students and they walked down a red carpet. Kaleb received Directors Honors (YAY) and then the students recognized a couple of students that were a big help and Kaleb was one of them (WAHOO) He was way surprised and happy about that.
That was the conclusion of the graduation. It wasn't like a typical boring graduation thankfully! They kept us entertained, throwing in jokes here and there.
I am so thankful for Kaleb and all that he has worked for! It wasn't easy moving out here, but thankfully we have the wonderful support of our families helping us out!
January 16,2015
