Our First Graduate

On Saturday May 26th, my first born walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma.

With 52 other graduates from home schools across the state of Idaho, he smiled wide as he was handed his diploma from former state Representative Curtis Bowers while (former Chief) Justice Eismann read aloud the tribute written by Joe and I.

There were nearly 2000 guests and family members in attendance as the graduates filed in to the chords of  "Pomp and Circumstance" -- a song which for years has brought tears to my eyes.  I have known this moment would eventually come, but truly did not know it would come this soon .....

Josiah was read a tribute written by his parents which epitomized our feelings toward him and our experience with home education.  In it we shared that his "thirst for knowledge has made homeschooling a sincere joy" and we rejoiced with him in the day's accomplishments.

Prior to the ceremony beginning, 11 graduates shared some of their musical talents during a formal prelude.  Josiah was privileged to be one of them.  He did a beautiful job playing one of his favorite songs from his violin repertoire.  I can't imagine how one so young can be so accomplished in front of so many people!  My heart was pounding and I breathed a sigh of relief when he had finished and the applause slowed :-)

The multi-page program featured a large paragraph detailing the academic and extracurricular accomplishments of each student as well as a written tribute they wrote to their parents.  Just reading these is enough to bring tears to anyone's eyes.   It is a precious keepsake for years to come.

We went from the graduation ceremony directly home to the graduation party we have worked so many months for!  The weather was not ideal, but God worked out all the details so that we were able to make full use of the barn we had so carefully prepared. 

The most anticipated part of the evening was when the graduates themselves, with microphone in hand, gave a 3 minute pre-prepared tribute to their parents in front of all of their guests.  There is rarely a dry eye in the house as these precious students, often emotional as well, share what they have appreciated about their families, parents, and walking the journey of homeschooling together.

Although I'm not very good with numbers, I'm guessing we had at least 300 in attendance throughout the evening.  Our church family is so supportive as several friends worked many hours to prepare and serve food - all to honor the 7 graduates from our church.  Extended family and friends added to the evening. The weather cleared after we ate so that the kids and teens could enjoy much outdoor play with volleyball, frisbee, and fireside singing.

Our neighbors blessed us with the use of their field for parking as well as put up with our noise well into the night as kids played and, in general, made a "joyful noise!"

We used a portion of our other barn to put out displays for each of the graduates.  These included pictures and other meaningful aspects of their years homeschooling and living alongside family and friends.

We were privileged to have my parents, my brother and family, Joe's mom, and his brother and family in attendance during graduation day.  

Josiah's display included some of his Sr. pictures, a picture of our family, past Quizzing trophies, his black belt, a gavel earned during his participation in Generation Joshua, and two of the twelve scrapbooks he has accumulated from his 12 years of homeschooling.

There were baskets at each table where the kids received many generous gifts and cards from family and friends.

We are so proud of Josiah and his accomplishments.  This tender moment has been very bittersweet in a myriad of ways.   

We are so privileged to have been a part of his life and education ..... every step of the way.

The tribute read to Josiah as he received his diploma:

Josiah, you came into this world full of eager curiosity and have been a living example of the love of learning ever since.  Your thirst for knowledge has made homeschooling a sincere joy and we rejoice with you in today's accomplishment.  We are so thankful for the young man of character you have become and pray that God will richly bless you as you endeavor to walk in His will.  We love you and are very proud of you, Son!