Amanda is officially a high school student!!

Amanda's Middle School promotion ceremony yesterday was fabulous! Can't even believe she'll be in high school in the fall!  It's been 11 years since she was my student in preschool where we first met.

Here is Amanda walking into the Social Hall as the promotion ceremony began. She survived 8th grade and the first year of her CI among many who don't exactly think kindly of cochlear implants and those who get them.

Here she is walking onto the stage to receive congratulations from the Superintendent, Director of Instruction, Guest Speaker and Director of Residence. She also received her hard earned 8th grade diploma.

 

Her good friend and fellow graduate, Sisilia and her family made candy leis for all the graduates.  They also made flower leis and head pieces which they shared with Amanda.  The girls were really weighted down. Sisilia is a year younger and maybe 3 heads taller.

   

Joseph was really proud of his sister.   So proud in fact, he didn't even complain, too much, when she adorned his head.  She likes to share.  :-)

        

And of course you gotta pose with the family in attendance.   Here are Amanda's mom's mom and her husband, her mom's sister and her daughter...and Gonzálo, Joseph and me.  Missed my sons, Amanda's stepbrothers Joel and Trevor...but they're off in other states with their own commitments.

   

Here is Amanda posing with her Middle School Principal for three years, Tammy Mitchell.  Amanda received the 8th Grade Principal's Award this year at the awards ceremony last week.  :-)

     

And last, but certainly not least, are Amanda and me after lunch at Souplantation.  A great end to a great day!