A memo to all SDSS kids and especially 2013 grads...
I had the pleasure of attending the Athletics Banquet at SDSS on Tuesday to take photos of the many award winners from grades 8 to 12. As one of the only parents in attendance, I really appreciated the opportunity to see the players sit with their teams, peers and coaches, and watch them congratulate each other on their successes.
Apparently, it was a format used from yesteryear and I thought it was great.
Basically the school cafeteria was filled with the teams sitting with each other at the large tables. In seasonal order, each team was asked to stand and be recognized and then the coaches would list names of a few athletes from each team who received awards of excellence. They were invited to the podium and I took pictures of all the recipients so that parents will be able to see their kids receiving the awards later.
Keeping parents out of the picture was a good idea for this event and the athletes all seemed to really enjoy the atmosphere and were having much fun.
After the awards, coaches and teams were all treated to a buffet dinner prepared by future chefs from the culinary arts program under the tutelage of teacher and chef Gerald Worobetz.
Watching the proceedings, I couldn't help but notice how quickly time has gone by. I was familiar with many of the grade 11 and 12 recipients, having coached several of them over the years in various sports, and by feeding them at special foods days in elementary school, socializing on school field trips, watching school plays and concerts and from hosting a variety of birthday parties and gatherings.
SDSS alumni and star soccer player Caitlin Davie gave an introductory speech at the event and I hope all in attendance listened carefully. She touched on an aspect of old school social networking when she reminded us to cherish the times with teammates, friends and peers as it is these relationships that will form a basis of how you interact with future friends, teammates and even office mates.
High school can build lifelong friendships and though you may not see your friends for an extended period, you know they are there.
The transition to young adults has been fun to watch and soon the 2013 graduates will move on to new chapters in their lives. The next couple of weeks will be a time to remember and I hope all the kids enjoy the moment at the upcoming grad events. I hope they remember the good times and don't dwell on the not so good. I hope everyone plays safe and enjoys the moment.
I also hope they enjoy their Dry Grad and remember that it will be a very special time to reflect upon and possibly the last chance to say hello to someone in your grad class that has never crossed your path before. The school community and dozens of dedicated parents have worked their butts off so you can enjoy and remember this night, so have no less than a ton of fun!
Remember the good times and best of luck in the great big world!
