Quincy has Graduated!

Our Proud Family

Well, the day has finally come.  My little Quincy Lee is a fully fledged Olympic High School graduate decorated with many honors from several years of hard work, determination, setting goals and achieving them. She received many awards for her academics and was recognized by many departments. One of the awards she received was presented to her at the graduation ceremony.  She was selected as the female recipient of the Faculty Citizenship Award. It was a huge honor extended to her out of a graduation class of about 270.  There are only three awards given on that day. This award meant a lot to her and to us, as parents. It stands for someone that is a good citizen in their school community and is making a difference in the world around them. This is Quincy and a big reason why we will be going to India. She and I have a strong desire to serve. I am so proud of her and have had many tears come to my eyes at random occasions during this month of recognition and celebration of her accomplishments. Many family and friends came to watch her graduate and show their support. It was an emotional day for us all.

On the Tuesday, prior to graduation we attended a Senior Recognition Night organized by the Young Women and Young Men leaders of our church. Bishop Petersen and his wife graciously hosted it in their home. I had to put a PowerPoint together of her life that was viewed by everyone.http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1762142899089 As I scanned photographs during the wee hours of the morning, I was filled with emotion and tears were shed as I looked at her as a little baby, toddler, pre teen and reminisced on what life has been like being a mother to Quincy. Russ wrote an amazing poem about her that made us smile, reminisce and laugh. He is an awesome dad. It was a special night and Quincy felt loved by our ward family.

Chloe, Quincy, Karli
Our Awesome Trio

We surprised her by bringing Karli, my eldest daughter, home from college. We didn't think we were going to be able to get her home with her schedule and the price of tickets. At the last minute we found a ticket that took our air miles and kept it a secret.  She was really surprised and I took great joy in pulling it off. Usually I get found out.  It was good to have us all together.

 On the Sunday evening following grad night we got to attend Quincy's Seminary Graduation.  This is a big achievement in our eyes as parents.  For the past four years she has woke up and went to 6am seminary every school day that she could and learned about our gospel. It has been very important to us that our children know what their religion is about and seminary does that.  Sleep deprivation is common in teens as they tend to burn the candle at both ends doing homework and activities late into the evening. Getting up early every morning is a big sacrifice and I know, at times, it was done to please us parents. Thank you for graduating Quincy and we appreciate those seminary teachers that showed up every morning to start each day with a spiritual thought and contribute to keeping her focused on looking at life from an eternal perspective. Hopefully, she will share this knowledge with others throughout her life.

Thanks to all of our friends and family for the support you give my family.  These girls are turning out to be amazing young women due to the influence and help of many people.  We are blessed.