All Grown Up and Ready for High School

I'm sure high school and college graduations are a huge deal as a parent, but since we haven't experienced those yet, there's something really special about 8th grade graduations.

{Stylin' in these pants, shoes and bow tie.  Navy pants and bow ties were the popular choice this year!}

The kids start elementary school as babies, start middle school as awkward tweens, and end up looking like young men and women.  What a crazy fast transformation has happened in the past three years.  He's taller than me now!

We had the Baccalaureate Mass on Saturday night, and when I walked out, I saw this.  I love that he's not too cool to pick up his baby brother in public ;)

I watched from below as people hugged and congratulated him, and truly saw how lucky he is to have so many people support him in his life.

St. Francis Xavier and his mini-me and minier-me.

This class has had it's share of ups and downs, it's been a tough couple of transition years for them.  Their beloved pastor left to work in a diocese across the country at the end of 6th grade.  Then they had a lot of teacher turnover this year (three different teachers in the first trimester for English and Religion until it was sorted out).  On top of that, this class was very cliquey and hard to manage at times.  But everyone persevered, and they all learned and grew and finished the year strong and bonded.  They matured!

After the Mass, the students head down to the school gym, which has been transformed by the parents, for their Dinner and Dance.  This year's theme was Hollywood/Oscar Night, complete with a red carpet, photo booth, dj, candy bar and everybody was the star of the show.

Was he not the cutest little boy?

The girls got all fancied up - hair, makeup, new (short!) dresses, etc, and I'm just so glad I have mostly boys!

The families get to watch the kids walk in, and stay for the emotional slideshow before getting kicked out so they can have their very.first.dance without their parents around!

On Monday, Andrew got ready for graduation, same pants and shoes, different shirt and tie :)  

We gave him his graduation gift, which is a necessary requirement for high school.  Killing two birds with one stone ;)

When he took the placement exam for high school, we made a deal that if he placed in the top ten (as JP had), we would get him a 2-in-1 laptop.  He did not place in the top ten BUT he did place first from his school, and was in the top 10% of test takers, so we surprised him with this beauty...

We headed off to graduation, ready to finalize this thing!  It had been a long last few days filled with finals, a retreat, a big all day field trip, baccalaureate and dance.  Phew!  Bring on the diplomas!

Both the principal and pastor gave great speeches, and Andrew was recognized multiple times for his talents.  He received the Algebra Award (makes me so happy that he loves math like me!) and a monetary award for excellence in Catholic Education, plus recognition for being in the National Junior Honor Society for all three years of middle school, and for getting into all honors classes in high school.  Andrew has to work hard for his grades, but was still able to finish the year strong with all A's and placed 3rd in his class!  

We are so proud of him!  He was Class President this year, worked at both the CYO basketball games and as a bagger at Market Basket, played soccer, basketball, and track, went on the March for Life and faithfully served at least one Mass every week (but usually two).  He's a go-getter!

Andrew has such a kind heart, and is the best babysitter to his younger siblings.  He is always watching out for them and playing with them, and they love him so much for it.  Andrew loves to be active and is always willing to mow the lawn, take the dog for a walk, or help with a project.  His athletic and academic talents are from God, so it's the hard work and good choices he makes that really make us proud to be his parents.  Even if he doesn't want a kiss from his mother ;)

Just your typical sMother Son Moment :)

Laughing with Gammy and Grandpa

With Haley, one of his favorite people

With our pastor (and Steubie grad!) Fr. Riley Williams

With his bestie, Caden.

With his Principal

We love you so much Andrew Pauric Martin!!  We can't wait to take you to high school with us next year, and pray that you stay close to God always and will continue to do great things in His name.  Also, stay away from girls, they're nothing but trouble ;)