WACA 2009 Graduation!

Five of our Students graduated Sunday night, from the Warner Avenue Christian Academy!

Much planning and preparation had been done, and our family was very much involved, even though no one from our family was graduating! (This has got to be the LONGEST post ever!)

Saturday, Daddy and I were asked to come to the rehearsal, as Daddy is the "School Principal Substitute"(Our principal is travelling right now and couldn't make it.). We were originally planning to come at 4:00pm because I had been asked to take portraits of the graduates. So we jumped into the car and headed for the church.

When we arrived, we were greeted by Mrs, Girkins and Rebecca, her oldest: one of the graduates. (The Girkins used to attend our church util they recently moved to Colorado.) Their family had flown out for the graduation. Rebecca was very excited, as she was going to be graduating with all her old friends! We exchanged hugs and headed for the sanctuary.

Practicing the ceremony....

Rebecca and Sarah.....

"You will be giving your speeches from the pulpit..."

The rehearsal was quick and easy! We had a great time teasing and recalling different memories! After that, we headed to the park around 4:15, or so, for the planned portraits.

Sarah, on the way to the park, with Rachel next to her. Mrs. Iorga drove us. Thank you so much, Mrs. Iorga!

It was a very windy day and I remember thinking, Oh no, this wind will not make for good or professional looking pictures, but the Lord was gracious, as always, and the pictures turned out decent. We had a lovely time talking and sharing! We all grew up together in the same church, which made it a really special bonding time.

Sarah

Rebecca

Rachel

Kendra

Emily

So good to have Becca with us again! She insisted on having a picture with me, even though I wasn't a graduate!

The pictures were soon done and we headed back to the church. Mr. and Mrs. Girkins invited us to stay for pizza, to which we readily agreed! The rest of our family joined Daddy and I, for dinner! Ryan, Daniel and Isaiah, had a great time with Nathan and Trenton Girkins, rib-sticking, scootering and heeling! Katie was thrilled to see Victoria again and they were soon off playing together!

We all agreed that the graduates should get a good night's sleep and so we headed home early.

Sunday night came all too soon, and I felt like I was attending a wedding, watching the graduates get ready! Nervousness, filled the room. Each girl was curling, pinning, or fussing with her hair. Two big mirrors adorned the little room we were in and made it look twice as big! A few of the girls asked me for some water, so as not to faint, and before I knew it, I was carrying a pitcher and five cups back over to the little room!

"Lady Lois", helping Kendra curl her hair....

Adjusting Caps....

Sarah, fixing her collar

Pastor, explaining last minute details....

Two of the graduates with their Mommy's:

Above:
Rachel and Mrs. Stevens

Below:

Rebecca and Mrs. Girkins

"Ready, Kendra?"

Just before the ceremony....



After ensuring the girls had enough to water and were all ready, I headed out into the sanctuary to get into my "photographer" spot. (Emily had made asked me to take pictures for the evening.)The room was filled with family and friends and I'm quite sure Pastor would have been very happy to see that many on a Sunday morning!

The ceremony opened as Pastor welcomed those attending and opened with prayer. Next, the moment everyone had been waiting for: the procession. Each of the graduates seemed to float down the isle and their faces beamed with a lovely smiles! After they were all seated, a hymn was sung. A slide-show was shown with sections of each graduate and then the graduates played two special numbers. Speeches came next, which went very well and I personally enjoyed every one of them in a different way! The Girls did a very good job and no one fainted! Then Pastor Steve addressed the graduates, encouraging and challenging them to serve the Lord faithfully! After Daddy had presented each girl a diploma we arrived at that most important moment: Graduation itself. Each girl took hold of her tassel and switched it to the left! Done! (Our mission was completed!) Pastor ended the ceremony with prayer and invited all to join us on the other side for refreshments.

Rebecca Ann Girkins

Kendra Jayne Iorga

Sarah Anne McIntire

Rachel Beth Stevens

Emily Anne Weston

Singing a hymn.....

music...

Speeches...

I already have SO many pictures, but I had to post this one of Daddy handing Kendra her Diploma!

Congratualtions, girls! We are very proud of you and we love you very much!

Pastor Steve, with the graduates.

I just love this one of Kendra and her Daddy.....

Just before the girls could escape, I asked them for a few more pictures! Here is one....

Over on the other side, in the Fellowship Hall, two beautiful cakes awaited the graduates along with many family and friends wishing to congraulate them and visit! The reception was quite long and very enjoyable! It was nice to see old family and friends again!

I had to grab the girls for one last and then I let them go....

Dear Rebecca, Kendra, Rachel Sarah and Emily,

It really was a very neat experience and I am so blessed to have been able to grow up with you all! I thank the Lord for all the memories and special times we've had, and for blessing me with friends like you!

The Lord bless you all as you embark on this next road, following Christ wherever He leads! I can't wait to see how He will use you all!

Like the words to that old song..."If Jesus goes with me I'll go anywhere!"