The Manwaring Highlights

The night before graduation we had a nice dinner with grandma Heelis, who flew from Utah for Aubrey's graduation.

Aubrey chose to eat at Red Robin, and we all thought it was a great choice.

High School Graduation took place at the Frankfort, KY Convention Center again this year.

But unlike years past, it seemed that every last seat in the convention center was filled.

It took a long time just for the graduates (over 400) to be seated.

But they were very well-behaved, and the place looked pretty awesome, especially with the flag above.

The speakers included the senior class officers, who did a great job,

but I could hardly contain myself when Maddie McElroy (Senior Class President) spoke. Her speech was pretty amazing, and it even inspired me!

The principle almost forgot to have the choir sing, but they did a beautiful rendition of "My Old Kentucky Home"

which brought a tear to Grandma's eye.

The band played "America the Beautiful"

with Breck on the bari-sax,

and Aubrey on her flute one last time.

The graduates then stood up row by row,

walked to the stage in an orderly fashion,

and received their diplomas from Superintendent Patricia Putty.

I though we might be there all day with so many graduates, but things moved along quite well.

The graduates then threw their caps in the air (I wasn't quick enough with my camera to capture it)

and it was all over.

With so many people, the most difficult part was just trying to find Aubrey at the conclusion of the ceremony.

We then had took our traditional pictures on the lawn with Aubrey's dad,

sister, mom, and grandma,

and quickly fled to the parking garage in attempt to beat the rush,

which didn't happen. It took over 30 minuets just to get out of the parking structure. But it was fun to rehash the program, and let Aubrey sneak a nap before staying up all night at Project Graduation.

'Thank You' Friends, from Scott Co. High Scool!

It is always a bitter-sweet experience for me when another school-year comes to a close, however, this year seems to be more bitter than sweet. I have been amazed at the caliber of kids in the graduating class of 2013. I have never seen a more bright, talented, supportive, well-rounded, and loving group of kids! Aubrey, Breck, and I will miss them dearly.

I would like to say a little Thank You to all of Aubrey's incredible friends who have been her lifeline throughout high school:

Thank You band friends and teachers!

Thank You chorus friends and teachers!

Thank You academic & club friends and teachers!

(To us, you will always be Valedictorian!)

Thank You dance partners and friends!

Thank You fuzzy, furry little friends who are too cute for words!

Thank You friends who think it is cool to dress alike!

Thank You friends who help us learn and understand,

make us laugh,

and inspire us to reach our greatest potential.

Thank You friends for always being there when we needed you,

and teaching us what it means to truly succeed.

Thank You friends from church who know who you are, and where you are going.

Thank You friends, for all the invitations to the wonderful parties, where a mother doesn't have to worry about who her children are with, or what they are doing.