Graduation Day

Class of 2007, Pierce College, Associate of Arts. GPA 3.5.
The Graduate:
As homeschoolers, we decided a long time ago to forgo the high school diploma in favor of an AA degree. Both our boys participated in the Running Start program, starting at the college at 16 and graduating with an Associates degree at 18. I must admit, I watched the ceremony today with a lot of pride and joy. We decided to homeschool in 1994, when Riley was five and Web was seven. Stepping off the familiar path of public school and into homeschooling was a big decision - one that was not made easily. Though I felt strongly that we were choosing the right path for our family, it was still a bit scary to be responsible for the education of our boys. I chose to create my own curriculum, and trusted in the curiosity and natural desire of children to know about the world to help carry it forward. As each of the boys entered what would traditionally be the sophomore year of high school, I registered them for a couple classes at the high school - it was Web's first school experience since 1st grade, and Riley's first school experience ever. We spent the sophomore year as part-time homeschoolers and part-time public schoolers. As each was ready to enter the Junior year, we had them take the test to enter the Running Start program. This program allows academically eligible juniors and seniors to take classes at the community college level and the state covers the tuition. About one out of 50 Running Start students actually complete an AA degree - and both our boys did. I'm very proud of them.
( in the picture of the crowd, that is Riley at the podium)
Mom and Dad came to visit for a couple of days and share in the graduation with us. When I went off to live in the dorms, my Dad put together a tool kit for me. He gathered tools, engraved my initials on them and put them in a tool box. It was the hit of the dorm. As each of the grandchildren has graduated (only one out of nine to go!) Dad has put together a tool kit for them. He spends a lot of time finding all American-made tools and the kids look forward to it. Riley asked me last week if he was going to get his toolbox when Grandpa came. Dad brought it in after dinner last night - in a shiny, red metal box. Riley, who has always been in love with tools, was thrilled.
We followed graduation up with a celebration dinner at a nice restaurant on the waterfront, then home to an ice-cream cake. Everyone else has gone to bed now - Mom and Dad are out front in their motorhome, Heather has gone home. I'm still up though. I keep thinking that this is the end of an era...















Here's a prom picture from a couple of weeks ago.