Class of 2014...Lewis Indian for Life.

It's surreal to have had Lexie graduating from the same middle school as her sister did. Reason I say this is because Sierra went to three different middle schools in two different states, and we seriously thought that Lexie would be graduating eighth grade from a totally different school in a different state as well. To tell you the truth it feels good to finally have some stability when it comes to the girls education. So far we have managed to stay put in the same state for six years, and have Lexie be in the same school district since the third grade! Luckily God had different plans for us and obviously the timing to move to the New England area was not meant to be, and after seeing all the experiences Lexie has gone through with all the friends she has I realized that she was totally meant to stay in Jersey to conclude her eighth grade year here at Lewis.

And I'm glad.

Glad because who knows if she would have participated in volunteering to have her head shaven for cancer research, be chosen as a Lewis Legend, be recognized for her award-winning Safety essay, be chosen as Lewis' Shining Star, and receive the Anthony Graves Music Department award, and other amazing accomplishments had she attended another school in a different state. Who knows...who knows. 

All I know is that she was indeed meant to stay here not only for herself, but for others as well. The Lord has blessed her with so many successes, and experiences for her to grow, and learn. As I see those blessings pouring down upon her reassures me that she...we are supposed to continue to reside here in the Garden state.

I will always remember Mr. Nichols, and his witty sense of humor calling Lexie "the girl from Connecticut." He teased her with that saying all year long! One thing for sure is how happy he was to have found her name on his list of students for advisory for this year. Even though she told him she wouldn't be returning next year he never removed her name from the list. It was as if he knew she wasn't really going to move. Imagine his surprise when she actually walked into his class on the first day of school. He was so thrilled. It definitely has been a good three years for them. 

^^^ Photo collage of the band students that was given as a gift from all the band kids. ^^^

I was amazed at how crowded graduation night was. I don't recall Sierra's graduation being this crazy,  and filled to capacity! Oh...and get a load of this throwback photo of Sierra. She hasn't changed a bit on looks where I feel as if Lexie has changed a ton! So proud of our girls for the lovely young women they are growing up to be!

^^^ Sierra, circa 2009 & Lexie Class of 2014 ^^^

The past three years for Lexie at Lewis have been phenomenal. I look back at all her accomplishments and we are extremely proud of her. 

Noah and Chelsea were so excited for her too! They constantly wanted to take pictures with her all evening long.

Just a note to the Lewis Class of 2014:

Congratulations on your advancement on moving on up to high school. Y'all have so much more to look forward too. Always keep focused in all that you do especially when it comes to your academics, and in living a life filled with light, kindness, good friends, and in being yourself. It's your turn to shine, and like the banner reads that the school made in memory of your class "There's A Place For Us" there will definitely be a place for you in this world. 

Keep up the excellent work, and never give up on your dreams! 

xo

the graduating class of 2013.

This day was so surreal for me. From getting special seating on the football field to seeing Sierra walk down the track with the rest of the class waiting to be seated, to listening to all the speeches given by the principal, valedictorian, salutatorian, class president, to receiving her diploma in graduating with honors.

Although I was very excited for her graduation day to arrive this is one day that I didn't want to pass, but it did. It came too quick, and flew by way too fast for me. I can't believe these past four years just flew. Flew, flew, flew! I am so excited for her to begin a new chapter in her life. She has done really well in this school for the past four years, and everything she has learned will be taken with her as she begins college in the fall. We are extremely proud of her, and all that she has accomplished thus far in her life. She is a young woman of many talents and has so much knowledge to share with the world.

I explained to her that friends come and go, and sometimes part after graduation. Life will keep many of these kids busy, and hopefully some of them will stay in contact. She has made many friends, and mentioned that they are all keepers for life! She's fortunate that some of them are attending college nearby, and hopefully that'll make it easier to stay in touch.

with Trent, the prom king...again!

From left to right:  Matt, Erny, Eddie, Michael ( 2013 valedictorian), Tj, and Jordan.

She makes these young men look good in pictures!

two of her dearest friends: with Amber (top), and Britney (bottom)

She will never forget her friends of the future class of 2014. She will miss playing in the jazz band with these guys. Who knows, maybe they can all start up a band someday. They need to graduate first! 

It was also nice seeing an old friend, & former alumni.

She had some of the best teachers this year, and she will never forget the ones who really challenged her to be the best.

We were so happy that her grandma & grandpa (my awesome in-laws) flew all the way from Utah to witness her graduation and spend quality time with her. They are so pleased with her accomplishments, and have faith in her that she will become someone very successful. 

Speaking of successful Ms. Petite gave a wonderful speech to the entire student body, and the advice she gave them was remarkable. One of my favorite excerpts she said to these graduates was, and I quote... 

"Remember when you thought that your parents didn't know a lot, watch how incredibly smart they become over the next decade. Parents are pretty skilled at picking up on real life lessons. Continue to talk & listen to your parents. They have learned from their mistakes and will save you much stress and anxiety. They will also not charge you for their expertise, and most of the time you may even get a free meal. Set your goals high and strive to develop your skills and potential, but be careful in how you measure your success. Your success will be judged by those with whom you compete. Rather than being the best in the world try to be the best for the world."~Ms. Petite

Sierra, 

I thought those were wise words, and great advice when it comes to being challenged in this life. I pray that you will take those words to heart, and apply it in your daily life. Remember this day forever, because the only thing you'll have left are the memories. Four years of memories at Highland that taught you to be the best. 

Now...go out and conquer the world. You are here for a reason, and your unique talents will take you very far. Just remember that it is up to you to make it happen. Stick strong to your morals, and be solid in your testimony, and love for God, and His gospel. We will be rooting for you from across the bridge. 

This is the beginning of the end of your first chapter in the life of high school, and now...

Let the college days begin.

Oh wait...you still have the rest of the summer to enjoy yourself. 

Time to go to the shore! 

Love,

mom