Cat's Sixth Grade Graduation

Cat's school put on a lovely graduation ceremony for the 6th graders at the end of the year.  Cat already knew what to expect, and was really looking forward to the red carpet and the tradition of the graduates running through the halls of the school and high-fiving the younger kids.

There were a few things that caught Cat off-guard, though.  The principal took the graduates on two trips down memory lane, the first one toward the beginning of the ceremony was part of a speech where she reminded them of memorable moments throughout their years at the school (including the time they went to the aquarium on a field trip in 3rd grade and there were no fish there...).  The second walk down memory lane was after everyone had received their certificates and the principal played a slide show with tons of pictures of these kids from kindergarten through 6th grade.  Cat and her best friend started crying during the speech, and it was a long time before the tears subsided.  (The first three pictures below are the only ones where she doesn't have red, puffy eyes.)  Cat told me that she and her friends were so distraught at school even after the ceremony was over that they talked their teacher into letting them watch "Nacho Libre" so they could laugh and cheer up.

Another surprise for Cat was that she was chosen as a recipient for the Hope of America award, sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club.  This is the email I received from her teacher:

I am so pleased to inform you that your sweet daughter, Cat, will win our Hope of America award on Thursday during graduation.  This award only goes to 2 sixth graders from each class and is the school's most prestigious award, given to the scholars who best exemplify leadership and academic accomplishment.  Cat is a leader and a true scholar, and I am so happy to award her with this.  She works very hard and I know she will perform wonderfully at (her next school).  I am very proud of Cat and the good person she is, and all that she has accomplished.

Cat was all smiles when she walked into the gym and found her seat.

The director of the school, the representative from Kiwanis Club,
the award-winner, and the proud mama.

And so the tears begin...

This wonderful woman was Cat's math teacher this year and made a huge difference for Cat.
She liked math before, but she absolutely LOVED it this year, and loved being in this class.

Here is Cat with her teacher, classroom aid, and the principal.

Cat and her friends were able to laugh at themselves and their never-ending tears, but in reality, this is a big step for Cat.  It's hard for her to say goodbye to all of her friends, who are going their separate ways to various Junior High Schools.  She has just one friend going to the same school she'll be attending next year.  But her elementary school has been a great place for her in other ways, too.  She has lots of good memories there and has been blessed by some wonderful teachers.  Junior High is a big Unknown, exciting but daunting, and this is one of the first significant transitions in this young woman's life.  We're excited to see what the future holds!