The Joy of Being a Parent of a High School Grad

On May 1st, 2010 the Pinellas Parent Educators Association held their Graduation Ceremony.  It was the most wonderful graduation I have ever attended, not that I am biased in any way!

Homeschool graduations are different from any typical graduation, as it celebrates not only the graduate but also the family.  Prior to the ceremony beginning, there was a wonderful montage of music and pictures from the Senior Class Activities from this past school year.  The ceremony then began with introductions and a message from our group's chairperson, Mary Arnold.  It then proceeded with a 13 minute presentation of pictures and music for each of the 35 graduates.  It was so emotional watching the baby pictures proceed through the years of homeschooling up to their current senior picture for each graduate. 

A special time during the ceremony was the charge.  This was a special message the parents wrote to their graduating child.  Of course, having a last name beginning with "p" means that I cried through everyone else's charge!  Andrew Apple did an outstanding job of reading our charge to Nick as we stood with him in front of the attendees.  I then moved his tassel on his cap and Paul presented him with his diploma.  It was a moment of such pride for our son.  He has become a young man of God.  We are so proud of him!

(Photo Credit Karen Baillie)

The biggest surprise of the event was at the conclusion of the ceremony when they shared letters each child had written to his or her parents.  It was beyond emotional!  Such a wonderful surprise to end this ceremony.