On Graduation Day

Last year we gifted Grace a Tiffany bracelet for her graduation so we decided to continue to tradition for Emma this year. Rather than the heart (like we gave to Grace) ee chose the Tiffany arrow bracelet for Emma so that she "may always find direction". 

And Grace continued the tradition that Emma started last year when she gifted her a graduation Squishmallow! 

Some of Emma's Main Lesson Books. 

Another beautiful Small Farm flower share took its rightful place as the centerpiece for Emma's graduation day. 

And more traditions continue! Dave's parents gave Emma the matching necklace to her bracelet (just like they did for Grace's gradation last year)! I love the look on Emma's face when she realized what her grandparents had given her (and probably why I suggested she might want to take some of her daily necklaces off before going over to the church)! 😂 

Homeschool  mascots in attendance! 

We chose to do a few pictures (like this one) before everyone arrived. 

With Grandma Joan and Grandpa Ron. 

Emma and Clover. 

A second before starting the ceremony I realized I had my phone in my pocket and that I should pause and take a picture of those in attendance! It was a bit hard to fit everyone in (had this idea occurred sooner I would have had a step stool read) but I think I got pretty much everyone in nontheless! 

My speech. 

As the former valedictorian and first graduate of Under the Willow Tree homeschool, Grace delivers the alumna address. 

Emma gives her valedictorian speech. 

These three. Friends their entire lives (literally). 

A beautiful picture with her bonus grandparents!

Picture with Everleigh (who is basically Emma's little sister). 

Picture with Mrs. Dooley. Emma's choir teacher for thirteen years! 

With Uncle Grant and Miss Sarah. 

And now with Gramma Terri and Grandpa Gene. 

And of course, it was at this moment that my phone chose to be difficult and not let me take more than one picture of the same group of people (hence Emma's closed eyes on the only picture I have of her with August and Marybeth). 

Below is the speech I gave during Emma's ceremony: 

We are here today to mark two momentous occasions. First, to celebrate the graduation of Miss Emma Faith Tscherne. Second, to celebrate and honor the end of our homeschooling era. While Grace’s arrival earthside began our homeschooling journey, Emma’s graduation today culminates it. 

Emma, it has been the honor of my life not only to be your mama, but also your teacher, principal, guidance counselor and college advisor. I have loved watching you grow from that tiny redheaded baby into the incredible young woman you are today. And while there were some bumps and challenges and enough teachable moments along the way to keep us both humble, you have proven that you can achieve anything when you put your mind to it!

Your daddy and I have always encouraged you girls to speak your mind, to ask lots of questions, to ask for help, to offer support and kindness to those around you, to use the world as your classroom and to be lifelong learners. We could not be more proud that you have done all that and more! I am grateful that we get to have you home for two more years as you endeavor to complete your associates in business at MassBay before heading to Oregon to begin your studies in service dog training at Bergin College for Canine Studies which could not be a more perfect field of study/career choice for you! Combining your love of helping people, with your love of animals and time in nature is as if this college and field was made with you in mind!

 

And now, I would like to share the words of the dedication that appears at the front of Emma’s yearbook (which you are all invited to sign).

 

On Graduation Day

Scenes from Grace's graduation. She wanted a small ceremony with only family (or those as close as family) followed by a gathering with her closest friends. Even though some were not able to joun us (and were very, very missed) and even though it was yet another rainy Saturday here in New England, everything yesterday was jsut so special!

In Waldorf education teachers always speak about how many classes they graduated (since grades teachers take a class all the way from first through eighth grade). With that in mind, and disregarding the two year break that was Parker (oh, how I wish I could get those two years back), I'm thrilled to have graduated my first class this year, and have already started to think about my next (and final) class next year! A grad ceremony for a class of one felt different, but it was so perfectly Grace, so perfectly us and such a special ending to a truly incredible experience. 

This homeschooling journey, even with it's occasional bumps and doubts (what if they aren't prepared enough? What if this was foolish to think I could pull off?) was my most favorite teaching job ever. And not just because they are my daughters (and like my most favorite people ever) but beacuase it was truly more amazing they we ever could ahve known it would be when we set out on this path and because it gave our girls the childhood and the kind of education that I believe all children in America should have. 

Grace, as I said yesterday in my opening remarks, getting to be not only your mama but also your teacher, principal, and guidance counselor has truly been a major highlight of my life! From the moment you arrived earthside, and every day since, I have been in awe of you. You have always been on your own time table, but was always been just the right time table for you, and ultimately for all of us. You would only do things when you were absolutely ready to do them, and as a result you were often succesful on the first try or shortly thereafter. Your kind and gentle ways, as well as your hard work and determination, and your incredible sense of humor have made you the incredible young woman you are today. I have no doubt that you wull indeed do something to make the world more beautiful, though to be honest you already have just by being you! I love you to the moon and stars and Saturn and back! 

xo, 

Mama