Post Graduation Celebrations

After the graduation ceremony, the seniors were whisked away to an "all night party," coordinated by a group of parents. I volunteered to help, which was pretty fun and interesting. Glad I could play a small part, and experience the night with the seniors. 

One of the many activities was playing black jack or something. 

The hypnotist freaked me out. I've never seen anything like it.

This photo display was a labor of love, and right up my alley. A couple years ago, when a friend of Ryan's had a grad party, Ryan noticed this net display and expressed interest in having something like that at his grad party (which was a couple years down the road at that point). Well, we didn't forget and made it happen. The other family let us borrow the apparatus, which was so generous of them. We loved how it turned out, and a lot of people took time to look at the pictures which made it all worth it. 

Ryan arranging his artifacts.

Luckily the weather cooperated, and the flow worked nicely. We were so grateful for our neighbors, Mindy & Russ, as well as Nana & Lolo, and Aunt Mary who helped tremendously with set up. We were honored so many family members and friends were able to join us for Ryan's grad party.

party scenes

Ryan & Layla

Again, photo credit to Layla for some of these pictures. It was nice to have her family there with us to celebrate.

Burke & his mom

My cousin Kristen's kiddo, James, takes a look at the photo display. He and I had a nice chat about what pictures were catching his eye.

RBL 💙💛 2026 Grad, SJHS

college bound

Many, many thanks to our friends and family. Whether you were with us in person or celebrated from a distance, we are grateful for each and every gift, kind word, encouraging thought, and all the love and support you've sent Ryan's way in his life thus far. 

[card designed by Ryan]

Ryan's HS Graduation

Many school districts organize this cool event where seniors go back to their elementary and middle schools for a "clap out." St. Joseph is no exception. The Friday before graduation the students who attended Brown School returned one last time. 

This was a very fun day for students and families. I looked around at my fellow parents-of-grads, and it felt like old times - like we were just dropping them off for Kindergarten. Personally, I was even more overjoyed because about half of these kids were my first group of fifth graders when I taught there, Ryan included. 

Ryan's elementary art teacher took this picture and shared it with me. I love his smile and the colors! Definitely a fave!

I was following them around like paparazzi!

5th Grade Class of 2019

2026 HS Grads

We took this picture of them on the playground after their 5th grade graduation, so we had to recreate it seven years later. (Ryan is up on the structure on the right hand side.)

Ryan and Lucas climb down after the above picture was taken. 

Just like old times...

Ryan, Ruben, Lucas - good friends since the penguin poster of 2nd grade

My baby!

After visiting Brown School, they went by their middle school, and then down to Silver Beach for a little class celebration. This is their entire graduating class on the bluff stairs. (Ryan is about three-quarters of the way up on the left hand side, leaning on the railing.)

He humored me to take a couple pics on campus.

Windy day - His tassel was annoying him as I was trying to take pictures. 

This is a fave!

Car parked in his senior spot. The spot served him well this year.

Graduation Day!

headed to baccalaureate

Ryan is not into religion, but he was willing to play his cello for his friends' performance at baccalaureate.

Later that afternoon, it was time for the actual graduation ceremony. This picture got me choked up for some reason. I know it doesn't look like much, but the long line of students in their caps and gowns walking from the school to the field... I can't....

Ryan pomp and circumstancing to his seat.

We are so grateful that alphabetically, the way things worked out, he happened to be seated in the very front row. Great photo opps to follow!

All the 200+ graduates are finally seated!

Front and center, pondering

listening to a speaker

walking up to get his diploma

ready to move their tassels

Love this shot! 

Ryan is just left of center.

watching his cap fly

Afterwards, families flooded the field to get pictures with their graduates. 

Here are a few:

Ruben & Ryan with Ruben's dad who happens to be one of Ryan's most impactful middle school teachers. He had Mr. Holleman for a couple years of math.

Ryan & Fiona

They were in a lot of the same classes, and had similar interests outside the classroom too. She is also going to U-M, and I hope I get to see her from time to time. She is an excellent human.

Ryan & Sinai

Sinai also went to Brown School, and they've played the cello together since middle school. She is also an excellent human.

Justus, Lucas & Ryan

Lucas (middle) is a close friend since second grade. He and Ryan are hoping to room together at U-M next year (along with two other friends). Justus is a German exchange student. He plays the cello, and pretty immediately became one of the group, as if he'd always been there. 

Ryan & Layla

Many of the pics are from her camera, so photo credit to Layla. 

Grateful she shared them.

Nana & Lolo

Grammy & Grammy

Brothers

exceptionally proud parents

Onward, we all go...