graduation

Well, nothing says the end of a school year like graduation.  And today, several of my friends at Country Day School (CDS) sat on stage and received their diplomas!  So proud of them!!  This is a class of impressive students.  I was in awe as I sat in the audience.  Truly remarkable young people.  And it was nice how the school so intentionally celebrated each student.

CDS is a small school that really is a family.  Forty-six Seniors graduated today.  And as a class they've been through a lot.  Transition is the only normal in these kids' lives.  People and teachers come and go as most international assignments are 2-4 years.  There have been some kids that have been at CDS their entire life.  Literally starting in the day-care program at 18 months.  And it was so cool to hear in their words, the community they have created.  They know it's something special.  These kids really know how to embrace each other.  And they can provide a support system that no one else can, because they know (all to well) what it means to be the new kid.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the Director read a list of mind-blowing statistics about the graduating class of 2014.  From individual accomplishments, to a record amount of scholarships awarded (in millions!!), to pop culture highlights and lowlights that have defined their past year.  I felt almost star-struck sitting in the crowd, facing these remarkable students who embody so much potential and opportunity.  These remarkable students who are so ready to embrace adventure at its fullest as they travel all over the globe to continue their education.  From Hong Kong, to Canada, to the States, to Oxford, to Sydney, Australia...literally they are taking the world by storm!  (Every graduating Senior of CDS is going to college - impressive!  One student is taking a gap year, but then will be attending college in the States the following year.)

As each graduate received their diploma, Ms. O, their college counselor read their name and all of their accomplishments during their high school career.  WOW!  Awards, successes, scholarships...everything from academics to athletics to drama to community service.  Incredible the list of accomplishments these kids have attached to their name, and so cool that they were celebrated for them.  But I am convinced that the best is yet to come!  These kids are world changers and I'm excited to see how they do that!  These kids are out of the box thinkers, creative solutionists, world engagers, and industry visionaries.  But most importantly, these kids are children of God.  They are not defined by their amazing successes or the list of awards read after their names.  They are defined by the One who knows them and loves them.  And that, too, is definitely worth celebrating!

Congratulations, CDS Class of 2014!!  It has been an honor to know, to coach, and to do life with you!

Two of my non-graduating friends!

A little blurry, but the XC guys couldn't resist one last cheer...
Strength.  Honor.  Victory.  'Merica.