The Fifth (Child) Graduates Eighth (Grade)

Right after we got through Eamon's high school graduation, Alexander Blaise said "Hey don't forget about me!" and went ahead and graduated from 8th Grade at the Catholic school he's been in since he was three years old!

Preschool Graduation:

Kindergarten Graduation:

8th Grade Graduation:

It's true what they say:

 "The tie may be long, but the pants are short."

Also, that thing about the years passing quickly!

The school now holds the Baccalaureate Mass and the Graduation together in the church.  It was extra special because our church is about to go through a major renovation, so this was the last Mass held in the "old church".  Declan and Brendan served :)

I spy my graduating guy!

Xander was asked to bring up the gifts with some classmates:

His mother, ahem, was asked *last minute*, ahem, to bring her camera and take the photos for the event.  I was extremely nervous as I hate hate hate being the center of attention or getting in anyone's way, as photographers are famous for doing.  I tried to take all the pictures from a seated position so as not to distract everyone too much.  The photos mostly came out great, with a few too dark or blurry but YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, PEOPLE.  ;)

The class had 17 students in it, and I believe 16 have been together since preschool.  They are either going to miss each other like crazy in high school, or finally feel free to make some new friends.

Xander with his Principal (our goddaughter, Haley):

This photo was so blurry so I made it black and white to help a bit, and we were so thankful my Mom and Dad were able to attend as my mom's back has improved:

Maggie and Andrew were there too (JP and Eamon were working) but had to sneak out right at the end to go scoop:

The Commencement Speaker was the students' former gym teacher who is now a college professor!  He was everyone's favorite at the school.

Xander loves a good Chinese meal, so we went out to eat and ordered a Pu Pu Platter for the first time - exciting!  JP and Eamon were able to join us at the restaurant as well.

Then we came home and gave him his graduation gift:

A laptop!  He is required to have one for high school, but he was excited to get a "good one" with a touch screen.  

At the beginning of 8th Grade, Xander told us he was "actually going to try this year" and he worked very hard to finish the year #3 in the class.  He was hoping for Salutatorian but was also thankful he didn't have to give a speech.  Xander won the Theology Academic Award and also a special award named after a beloved Kindergarten  teacher at the school who lived to be 104.  The award also came with $500 which went straight to his savings account.  He was a member of the NJHS and earned all Honors classes for Freshman year.  

Xander B, we are so proud of you always, but especially this year that has been filled with so much growth and maturity on your part.  You have worked hard, did what you said you would do, altar served faithfully, dedicated yourself to a daily swim or run, and those traits make you a fine young man.  You are still hysterically funny and I hope your high school teachers appreciate that about you as much as we do :)  We love you to the moon and back and back again.

P.S. Fifth kids rule!!