and just like that (with a heel-click) he graduated

Before graduation there are just about a billion ceremonies/banquets/programs to attend and admire the graduates.  Senior Awards night would be one of those.  I believe it is preparing family members for the final hurrah - commencement.

Our dear Zachary took home his fair share of awards that night.  As a very involved student of good academic standing, this tends to happen.

Leading up to the awards we knew that at some point he would be recognized for the number of athletic points he earned what at NorthWood.  Zachary played football, wrestled, and ran/jumped track all four years of high school - a majority of which he did as varsity.

Granted this information, we were still a little taken aback when he was awarded the Most Outstanding Male Athlete award for his class.  Yes, I suppose the way life revolved around what sport Zachary was in for the season and the fact we had, over the years, made a sizable contribution via ticket purchases to the athletic departments of various high schools around the northern part of Indiana should have been a tip off.  I guess it had never really occurred that Zachary was such a huge jock because all the while he was so heavily involved in EVERYTHING else at he same time.

 He was pretty excited to be awarded a little ipod for his "points" earned.  

 Nate, Sara, Allysa, Zachary and photo-bomber Lewis.

 The entrance to the auditorium was lined with the accumulation of all the awards the class of 2013 helped to earn.  They really are a very impressive group.  I was so very lucky to be involved in their lives via drama and via Zachary.

Then suddenly, after all the hubbub of Sam and Laura getting married and this ceremony/banquet/program and that ceremony/banquet/program, commencement day arrived.

 The kid looked fantastic in his black robe.  

We arrived early enough to get some front row seats on the side where Zachary sat.  This did prevent us from a square view of him walking across the stage but it did provide plenty of proximity for heckling back and forth.

 G-ma and Mr. Hawley came to the ceremony.  It was a bit unexpected to see them.  After all we weren't to thrilled about the two and half hours in an over-crowed auditorium on bleachers so naturally we didn't think the 86 and 94 year old would be keen to join the fun.  But they were.

 With much pomp the boy waltzed into the gymnasium.

 We were pretty happy to see him walking in with Bailey.

 He sang, one last time with his choir exuding just as much enthusiasm as every other performance.

Then he danced across the stage and received his diploma...

 cover.

 Then those wild and crazy kids shimmied towards the exits.

 With one good final heel-click, it was over.

 The fan club.

 The sibling shot (minus the honeymooning lovebirds).  There's so much love.

 We found some apropos spray paint in the parking lot.

The following day was the big party.  Everything went off smoothly and there were multitudes of people wishing the graduate a job well done and good luck for his future.  It was so very fun to celebrate the kid.  I spent the time manning the "shrine-show" - a thirty-four minute photo and video slide show dedicated to my favorite senior.  

As has been our tradition, we took all of Zachary's various awards, recognitions, memorabilia and just pinned it to the walls of the living room.  Thus recreating THE SHRINE.

 Go Dogs Go! was his guest book.

The party was deemed a success - mostly because everyone was still alive and the only thing that got broken was my phone screen.  Plus there were many, many friendly faces in our home and that is always cause to celebrate.

We spent the next day circulating to some of our favorite graduates parties and enjoyed celebrating their accomplishments with their families.

The big highlight of the day was shooting guns at Sara's house and chopping firewood at Nate's.  Crazy kids.

Well, the boy has graduated.

I am so very proud of you Zachary.  I am proud of the way you poured everything you had into everything you did.  It didn't matter how big or small you always gave it full force.  I know there were so many, many days were you would spend fourteen hours going non-stop at school, come home exhausted and do it all again the next day.  I pray that you find that passion and dedication in everything you do in life.  You have such a kind and thoughtful soul.  I am constantly floored and blown-away by your depth.  It has been a true joy to spend the last four years of my life cheering you on full-time.  You constantly give me, and the rest of the family, a reason for joy and celebration.  

But, my dear boy, these four years were only the dress rehearsal...and now it's opening night.  You know your lines.  You are ready - break a leg!