Lewis Shining Star Student.

The day she won the Safety Essay contest I received a phone call from the principals secretary letting me know that there was going to be a dinner with the American Legion and was going to be recognized for her accomplishment and be awarded a prize, but we couldn't attend because it fell on the same night as her drama production. After talking to her drama teacher they decided that because of endless hours of rehearsal that the drama production took precedence over the dinner.

40th annual academic awards banquet.

Sierra, 

Do you remember when I wrote this post? 

Well, as I was sitting at the awards banquet dinner last night listening to all the names that were being called out for scholarships I couldn't help but to think about the time that I was worrying about how we were going to pay for your college. Dad kept telling me not to worry, that it'll all work out. Now that the time has come for you to start college in the fall I'm not all that worried. And you know something?

Dad was right...it did work out.

After all the anticipation of deciding which college your were going to attend we were very pleased with the choice of school, and the scholarship that you received from UARTS as well as all the "extra" scholarships that you received last night. I can't even begin to tell you how happy we are for you. You have worked so hard to get to this point, and it shows in your academics. You sure have come a long way in your education, and I guarantee you it won't stop there!

When Ms. Petite got up there to introduce the Class of 2013 she said y'all are the cream of the crop. It was her first year being your new principal and she said that your class was the only one that made her feel welcomed and loved. 

Your generation rocks girl!  

I absolutely believe it, and Sierra...you are a part of that crop! There are so many friends of yours who received various scholarships, and can I just say how excited I was when you and the valedictorian of your class Michael were awarded the same scholarship. Where have you been hiding him? I had never seen him before until that night, and he's too cute. Smart too with a 4.75 GPA!! Wow!! 

Oh yeah, remember when you used to complain about writing research papers, and how I would tell you that you should love it because of your love for writing, and you said that it wasn't the same thing. In a way you were right because as much as I love to write I don't think I'll be writing any research papers any time soon unless it's something that interests me, and that I'm getting paid for it!  

Well, all those semi-daily complaints of staying up late doing homework, and studying for all those tests certainly paid off. 

And can you believe that you have done all this and more with waking up every morning at 5:00am for four years to attend early morning seminary?

I can! The Lord certainly has carried you through this for the past four years of your high school career! 

You go girl! 

I am so glad that I gave you a push every now and then to work harder. We are so proud of all the accomplishments you have made thus far, and the choices that you've made for the past four years in being who are... especially when it comes to friendships!

Dad and I are so excited for you, and you have so much to look forward too. You are nearing graduation and it looks like we have one more banquet left to go!

I will try not to worry anymore about finances because I have a very strong feeling that you are going to be taken care of, and with your knowledge, and beautiful personality you are going to succeed very well in this life.

We love you!

mom

A Farewell to Elementary School

Just to let y'all know I don't have any favorites among my kids. I try really hard not to have a favorite. I told myself that when I grew up, got married, and had kids that I wouldn't favor any of my children. I told myself that I would treat them all the same, and I do. If I write highly of Alex it's merely because she truly is magnificent. She is VERY INTELLIGENT. This year she accomplished so much for her age. A few of my friends believe she is older because she shows maturity for being 11. I remember a friend who had Alex in her class at church during Sunday school back when we lived in Utah, and she told me she acted like she was six...she was three at the time! It almost seems as if she was born obedient.

Alex had her awards ceremony earlier this week, and has accomplished so much since September. She is now Jr. High bound and is very excited. She plans to be super involved with her studies just as she was in elementary school.  She is not afraid to put herself out there, and help others in her class as well as her teachers. Her teachers both past and present have told me that they recognize her as a special student who demonstrates exceptional maturity, scholastic merit, and leadership ability at her age.

When we lived in North Carolina, her 2nd grade teacher nominated her to attend the National Young Scholars Program in Wake Forest University. Not everyone had this opportunity. They only nominate those who have a high level of maturity...so if you think Alex is mature now, imagine how she behaved when she was seven!! Not a lot of seven year olds exemplify a high level of maturity!

This year she was in the top three of her class, and excelled in making the A honor roll throughout the whole year. Next year she will be in the EXCEL program which is a program for high achieving students.

Age has never been a barrier to leadership. I believe that if children apply themselves...with the help of their parents being heavily involved in their academics, have the potential to serve as future leaders in our country.

I have faith in all my daughters, (and Noah) that they will have the natural ability to lead, achieve and to excel in everything that they do.  They all have the strength of character and leadership ability that will enable them to get the most out of their education, and out of this life.

Way to go Alexandra!

 Keep up the excellent work!