Sam’s Kindergarten Graduation

I have dreaded this post.  Not because, of the content, or because I can't stomach Sam growing older,  but because it is the end of a wonderful season of our lives.  Michael and I, after much prayer and study have decided to take Finn and Sam out of HCA and enroll them in Davidson Academy. It was not an easy decision, and it truly broke our hearts to leave, but we felt confident that it was the right decision for our family.  When I say that we are heart broken - I am not being facetious or over dramatic.  We have spent the last five (5) years of our lives at HCA.  Finn started in K3 and Sam in K2 at the Gallatin campus.  During the course of their time at HCA Finn met his best friend Luke, Sam learned self control, and Michael and I became close with the staff and with parents  We have been thankful for Mrs. Raymer, Miss Mandy, Mrs. Brigstock and Mrs. Lockard - all wonderful teachers and Godly women. This school had a great communal feeling and the teachers really loved and poured into our children.  It wasn't until after the Kindergarten graduation ceremony that we made the decision to leave.  Since the move is still pretty fresh - it has been hard to look at these pictures.  To remember all of the programs and events we attended in this sanctuary.  But it is time to muscle up and give Sam's Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony the attention it deserves. 

This year's theme was "Oh the Places You Will Go."  The stage was decorated beautifully - thanks to Preston's (Sam's best friend) mom and dad.  At the beginning of the year Mrs. Raymer asked all of the kids to write down what they wanted to be when they grew up.  She took a picture of their answers and asked the kids to dress up as their chosen profession.  This is how Sam came to be dressed as Spiderman during his graduation.



Mrs. Raymer selected Sam to open the program.  So he greeted the audience and said in the Pledge of Allegiance as Spiderman. It was the sweetest and most genuine moment.  You could tell that some of the other children were influenced by their parents.  For example, one little girl on the way in told me that she was going to be a botanist when she grew up. But not Sam, as a five (5) year old little boy, Sam's dream was to be Spiderman.





After the pledge they sang several songs.  Sam sang his heart out - inside the Spiderman mask. Oh, and the air conditioning wasn't working in the sanctuary so Sam had to have been burning up in under his costume.





Midway through the program the graduates changed into their caps and gowns.



During the acceptance of his diploma, Sam stopped to say his Bible verse.

At the conclusion of the ceremony - the families went to the greeting area for candy and pictures.



Sam read all 50 books this year and earned this trophy.



Next we met Gran and Nana at Dairy Queen for celebratory ice cream.

In closing I want to note how proud I am of Sam.  He did great this year.  He reads excellently. He is already reading on a 2nd grade level and spelling on  3rd grade level.  He takes his time and does the work correctly the first time.  He listens in class and he controls his outbursts. He is so loyal, incredibly empathetic and gets excited about everything.  It is hard to believe that this is the same child that I had to leave work on a regular basis to go spank.  Sam, we are so proud of you and pray you have a fun and fulfilling year in 1st grade.