That was a busy week for us. Twice into Ottawa, Tuesday for Joe's annual with his physician. Did I mention traffic and construction?! The next activity: Commencement!
As a reminder, here is Jo doing homework, May 11, 2014! It was at our place, on the back deck, before going home after a weekend visit.
It was Jordan's gr. 12 high school graduation Thursday, with sister Aster playing in the band.
Our plan was to pick Caitlin up from work, and drive her to Lapointe's. There she was. She made her outfit. Those pants are great, flying in the wind.
Caitlin had ordered a sushi tray from the fishmonger. Off we went to pick that up, and drive us all to their home. The other gramma was staying at the house, as well. It was a full house!
When we arrived, we presented Jordan with his card! He was dressed and good to go. Aster was in her band uniform.
Caitlin took Aster to the venue for 6 p.m., where the band kids were to muster for the 7 pm event. It was at OCDSB's Earl of March High School, which has a large theatre. (Their high school doesn't have one.)
Jordan drove himself, while we had our yummy sushi. He'd already eaten, knowing time was short.
The ceremony, lots of wonderful kids, with diverse multicultural backgrounds and experiences. The outfits were amazing, lots of dressed up people, with Hijabs, Chadors, or Dupattas.
Two of the grads had bedazzled their grad caps, which they had to buy. They were terribly difficult to keep on heads while wearing a Hijab or certain hairstyles.
As we sat in the ceremony, the woman behind us asked Caitlin if 'this was her person!' Meaning Jordan! What a lovely way to phrase it! These are kids who have grown up together in this community, they all know one another's kids.
Jordan was focusing on the task at hand, it was the kid in front of him who waved!
As Jordan walked across the stage, they showed his photo, and the award he won: The Mayor's Youth Award for "exemplary service to both school and community,... extraordinary acts of service,.. compassion, dedication and kindness throughout high school."
There were kids of all genders, races and colours, with parents from many parts of the world.
The choir performed 'Flashlight' by Jessie J.
The theatre was quite full. We were fortunate to get extra tickets.
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| From left to right, Joe, Jean-Luc, JL's mom, me, Caitlin. |
Aster told us she was talking to the guy on the left about Mythology?!
After introductions were complete, Aster disappeared behind the video screen!
While the 175 gr. 12 students marched across the stage, After playing while the audience waited for the ceremony to begin, playing Oh, Canada for us, the band were ushered into a small room for the duration. It was a long wait. They came back later.
We walked to the front of the stage.
Aster will miss Jo so much next school year! They are very good friends, as well as siblings.
We are all so proud.
The big surprise was that Jordan won The Mayor's Award. He had no idea. It was printed in the program, handed out after parents and grandparents were seated in the theatre, and prior to the graduates marching in. I think Grampa was the first to spot Jo's name in the program!
Jordan couldn't have done all he has without his amazing parental unit! He even drives his sister, Aster into school for band practice 3 mornings a week before school.
Jordan will be missed. The school is very supportive of the LGBTQ+ students, as well as the other diverse populations. One teacher, handing their name cards to the Emcee, ensured that their sashes were straight, shirts and ties properly straight.
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| From the OCDSB website! |
It was a long night for us. I high-tailed it out of there, the noise was a bit much for me. At home we all debriefed, and unwound before bedtime. I'm usually in bed by 9 to read my novel!
We drove home Friday morning, I was having anxiety, and even though the kids let us sleep in their bed, sleeping was tough. I waited to have breakfast, and we stopped at Penny's Place for breakfast to take home. There was a man there wearing a Queen's University sweatshirt. I asked if he'd gone to Queens, and he had. In 1970! Joe was there in 1972. Jordan is going there for astrophysics for 2025!
The best is yet to come!
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| CBC News |
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| CTV News |
Radio Interview with Trustee on CBC.
