It's Leann's Day to Shine

 

Congratulations to my great-niece, Leann, who is graduating from Resurrection College Prep High School, the home of the Bandits.

After two years of commuting 11 miles southeast to Jones college prep, she switched her route and traveled just 4 miles northwest for her final 2 years of school.  An easier commute for her and much more convenient for her fans to follow her athletic pursuits!    

Soccer has been her sport of choice from a young age, but at Res she added swimming to the mix.  It was fun to watch her compete on the field and in the pool.

In addition to adding a swimming cap to her wardrobe, Leann also participated in a special welding program offered by Chicago Public Schools and now owns her own welding hood.

Between the soccer field and the pool, Leann found the time to participate in a variety of school and church activities, while pursing a rigorous academic schedule.

 Since Leann is my cookie puzzle lover her collection included a few bandits for her guests and a puzzle version just for her!  A simple puzzle for sure, but it's tradition. 

 Congratulations to my sweet niece as she leaves her high school experience behind . . . 

 and looks forward to the years ahead at the University of Iowa.

As Leann travels the miles from Chicago to Iowa, I hope she will always remember the loving family that will be supporting her every step of the way.

Behind you, high school memories. 

Before you, all your dreams.

Around you, all who love you.

Within you, all you need.

 

Love, hugs and cookies to an amazing young woman! 

 

 

It's Elliot's Day to Shine

It's time to celebrate, great-nephew Elliot's eighth grade graduation and an opportunity to take a look back at his K-8 years.

 From play dates at the local park when he was just my "little buddy" to becoming a regular fan cheering him on at sporting events, it has been a joy to be a part of this special guy's life.

 Sports has been his passion from an early age.  Baseball . . .

Hockey. . .

Basketball and flag football!

Elliot displayed his unique style through the years.  His mismatched hockey socks became his trademark and all those hairstyles!

Never one to shy away from wearing costumes, Elliot did manage to find time away from his demanding sports schedule to enjoy improvisational theater experiences at school.

When Covid forced the shutdown of schools, I became a tutor in his home classroom. His teachers did an incredible job of providing engaging lessons online,  so we just had fun supplementing his learning with online museum visits and playing games including our creation, "Where in the World?"

Although, Elliot enjoyed playing in the kitchen at the park when he was young, it did not inspire him to become an adventurous eater.  No amount of coaxing could get him to deviate from Covid classroom lunches of pizza, dinosaur chicken nuggets and white cheddar mac and cheese.

The interrupted school years due to the Covid pandemic will forever be a part of his elementary school memories, including the adoption of  his beloved Bailey. 

When schools finally reopened, Elliot returned to his local school, Portage Park Fine and Performing Arts Center for sixth grade.  However, in 7th grade he traded in the blue and gold at Portage for blue and silver at Taft where he will continue next year in the International Baccalaureate program.

Elliot brings so much joy to his family each and every day.

 

Gold stars for a special young man as he celebrates this milestone.

 

 

You are loved to infinity.  .  .

. . . and beyond!

Celebrating Mary Grace's Graduation

 

At a young age, Mary Grace realized that Chicago schools offer a wide variety of programs throughout the district and transferred multiple times before her 8th grade graduation in an effort to participate in various experiences.  However, for her high school years she wanted to stay in one school and chose to attend Lane Tech College Prep.

Little did she know that she would become part of the "Class of Covid."  A recent article in the Chicago Tribune stated:  . . .freshmen when the pandemic hit and, as it happened, seniors on the verge of earning their diplomas when the public health emergency formally ended in May .  .  . for many graduating seniors, it dominated and defined their high school experience.

In March of 2020 when students were forced to switch to online learning, Mary Grace made the best of the experience.  She embraced online learning in the classroom her Mom and Dad created in their home and enjoyed learning in her pajamas.

Throughout the months glued to a computer screen, Mary Grace remained committed to her exercise routine and was outdoors running whenever possible.  When athletics were allowed to resume she was ready for cross country, shot put and even added a weight lifting routine senior year.

Mary Grace's high school years included challenging classes, volunteering in several activities at church and a part time job as a waitress.
 

Congratulations to my sweet niece as she leaves her high school experience behind . . .

 

.  .  . and looks forward to the years ahead at the University of Iowa College of Nursing.  I'm not sure that Herky would be pleased with my cookie version of his likeness, but Mary Grace will appreciate my effort.

Love, hugs and cookies for a very special young woman.

Behind you, high school memories. 

Before you, all your dreams.

Around you, all who love you.

Within you, all you need.

 

 

References: 

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/education/ct-class-of-2023-covid-graduation-20230601-nbyx4mrqjne6fajqwnhe2427ty-story.html 

 

 

 

 

 

Leann's Graduation

 

It's time to celebrate, great-niece Leann's eighth grade graduation!

From study dates at the library in the early days at Thorp Scholastic Academy to reviews sessions for the U. S. and IL Constitution tests, I've enjoyed watching her learn and grow.  

Since Bill from "School House Rock" was part of our Constitution reviews, I thought he should make an appearance at Leann's  celebration.

Leann participated in a variety of programs throughout elementary school.  She gave a "thumbs down" to some of the activities, but I am so proud of her enthusiasm and  willingness to try new things .

 

Nothing slowed her down, not even the changes that were forced on her due to the Corona virus.

Leann has always enjoyed sports and even participated in shot put this year when the coached asked her to give it a try.  Several track meets later she emerged as the Chicago City Champion!

Why a soccer ball with a graduation cap?  Because in 2019 when big sister Mary Grace graduated, Leann said, "when I graduate I want a soccer ball with a graduation cap on it." 

Of course, her collection included a few traditional caps and gowns and the traditional "Look out __________ High School" cookie.

Since Leann has always loved puzzles and frequently asked for puzzle cookies when she was younger, her collection had to include at least one puzzle cookie!  I opted to use the school mascot for this one and I am sure that she will be able to piece it together much faster than I could after I baked it!

 Finally, some Harry Styles themed cookies were added to her collection .  .  .

.  .  . because right now she is just wild about Harry!

Leann is venturing far beyond the neighborhood schools next year and I can't wait to see what is in store for her in the future.  

 Whatever path she chooses, I hope she always remembers:

You are BRAVER than you believe

STRONGER than you seem

SMARTER than you think

and LOVED more than you know.

 Congratulations!