[5/26/12] Graduation. Or three down, one to go.

Parker's high school graduation was held on Thursday, May 24, 2012, at the Gwinnett Arena. I think this is a fabulous place to hold a graduation because A: there's not a bad seat in the place, B: it's air conditioned, and C: the chairs are cushioned. :o)

We are so thankful that so many of our family were able to be here for his graduation. We are truly blessed with an awesome family!

John's dad, Debra (John's step-mom), Angela and Zach

My dad and mom, my sister Janine, and Kailen

Me, the very proud mom, and Kam

John, the very proud dad

This graduation ceremony was amazing. There were 700-ish graduates and the reading of the names/distributing the diplomas processional lasted only 50 minutes. Impressive.

But as impressive as that was, I was most impressed by the graduation program. There were three student speakers, who gave great, short speeches, and lots of musical numbers. The the senior orchestra members, the senior choir members, the jazz band, a singing trio made up of a banjoist who played the harmonica at the same time (so impressive!), a guitarist, and a bongo drummer who were all seniors, a soloist with senior dancers who performed as she sang, as well as two vocal duets. The singers should all seriously try out for American Idol. They were that good.

The processional. Parker ^                                                                                                                                                                      

The processional part 2. It's pretty cool that Parker got to walk in with one of his good friends, Megan.

                            Parker is on the end of the row right in the middle.                         

All the graduates.

In line to receive his diploma right in the center.                                                                                            

I didn't move my camera fast enough to get a picture of him receiving his diploma, so this is right after.

The cap toss. The principal told them right before the toss to remember what they learned in physics: "What comes up must come down!" Ha, ha.

I can't believe Parker is already graduated. The past 13 years of school have flown by so quickly! We are really proud of him and of all his accomplishments.