Jessi's Grade 8 Graduation

Jessi's Grade 8 Graduation Photo

It's the end of an era! Our elementary school days are over now that Jessi has officially graduated grade 8. The ceremony was on Tuesday at 4:00pm and was followed by dinner with her friends and a boat cruise for all the graduates.

Lots of preparation went into this big event, from dress and shoe shopping to a manicure (by her cousin Lorelei!) and a curly hairdo (by her Mama!). Jessi picked everything out and her final look was so her! She looked amazing.

Necklace borrowed from Mama
that matches perfectly with her dress

With all of us dressed up, I couldn't help but request a few family pictures. I'm so glad they obliged and had fun along the way.

The best words to describe the graduation ceremony were: hot, long, and memorable. There were 227 graduates at the school (from four different programs), and with 1-3 guests per student, that meant an unairconditioned gymnasium filled to the brim with people during a major heat wave (33°C feels like 42°C outside). It took nearly 2 hours to get through all parts of the ceremony: diplomas, awards, four valedictorian speeches, and teacher/principal remarks. But we survived! With the help of fans, water, and good company.

Jessi and her bestie ♥

We somehow got lucky and were seated with a perfect view of Jessi down the row. We smiled and waved at her a few times.

Necessary accessories

After the diplomas and subject awards were handed out, it was time for the School Awards for Outstanding Student Achievement. We were so pleased to see Jessi receive the Arts Award for her program! The teacher gave a nice speech about Jessi's accomplishments in the arts.

Episode 48: The Art Award

The ceremony ended right on time for Jessi's dinner at Cataraqui Golf & Country Club with six of her friends before heading downtown for the boat cruise. Sounds like they had a great time!

What a special day!

Graduation & Goodbye

Emily's Grade 8 Graduation Photo

On Tuesday Emily had her grade 8 graduation. We spent two days decorating the gym (Beach Theme!) and many weeks preparing for the event. Everyone worked hard and was thrilled with how it turned out.

Rehearsing

When the night finally arrived, we got dressed, did our hair, and made sure to capture the moments in (many) photographs. What a special time in a teenager's life!

Time for a little Mario Kart before Graduation...

Now time for pictures!

Go time!

Testing out the photo booth

Welcoming guests

Emily's classmates waiting for the ceremony to start

Emily won four awards at the ceremony: the Citizenship Award, the Academic Award (her most coveted!), the Creative Arts Award, and the Principal's Leadership Award. What an accomplishment!

Can someone turn on the lights please?

Valedictorian Speech

Photo Slideshow made by Emily

Finally, today we said goodbye to WJ Holsgrove Public School as it was the girls' last day of school there. What an amazing 10 years it's been! Now on to a new chapter.

Last lunch packed for 2 months

Last day of grades 8 and 6

2016 - 2023

Last walk to Holsgrove... ever!

I'm gonna miss this ♥