Mark graduation

Mark has a talent for talking with people and asking genuine questions. This endears him to them as they learn he sincerely wants to know about them and what they know. An older man, Duane Williams, in the ward made friends with Mark a few years ago. He told him when he graduated he would gift him a custom made obsidian knife. True to his word Mark received the knife the week of his graduation. 

Part of the weeks festivities was a walk through the elementary schools in full grad costume. The kids first walked in town then came out to the community school which unfortunately was mostly empty after the power had been out all morning. Thus only a small crowd was there to watch the kids return to their beginnings. One important person in their educational journey is Mrs. Mendiola. She has been an instructional aid and now serves as the librarian.Mark did not require her help but she also served to keep recess safe and fair. She knows each of my children after watching them grow for 8 years at that school. 

Due to the reduced numbers of regular students there was an excess of lunch servings so all present were invited to eat together. It was fun to hear the seniors reminisce about their many years together in those halls. We had gone to get the kids but when I passed MArk and his friends driving that way we turned around to witness the commemoration. We then were treated to school lunch which wasn't too bad. 

On the day of graduation it was warm. We all attended the graduation, I shed a few tears alway saddened at the passage of time and yet so happy for the success these kids have become. 

Mark and friends had followed up their walk down memory lane at the elementary school visiting this special teacher who taught them 3-4 grade. She is a first class educator who truly changed lives. Mrs. Robertson came to the graduation to also celebrate the growth of those students from long ago. Addie also adores her. We are so thankful for the years she returned to education after her retirement. 

Good friends really make school worthwhile. This youngman has been Marks good friend for a few years. He is dynamic and centered in goodness and God. How thankful we all are to know and love JEB. 

Friends from FFA and Advanced English these fellow Ag lovers discussed, encouraged, debated, and supported each other through the educational process. Riley and Daniel. 

Shane always looked up to Mark and tried to imitate him in dress. We became friends and we wish the best for his future. 

Another powerful educator who is retiring.Mr Huston is the science teacher who pushed the kids educational boundaries and taught them they coudl do hard math and science. Mark was not particularly challenged but loved the introduction to higher thinking and theory. 

Nick has been Mark's friend since 1st grade. They enjoyed auto class together working together to complete projects and discussing farming along the way. 
 

Gino was a fellow football player. 

More football buddies. Mark was a year ahead of his classmates due to his time sitting waiting on his leg to heal, and because he's really smart. But he did enjoy weights and football with many of his male peers. Damick and Kase.

Our kind grandparents who endured yet another graduation, and who have shared their land and wisdom with Mark giving life to his goal of land stewardship. 

Grandma Lasley, Papa and Grandma also supported through another graduaion. We appreciate their time and love in all the kids do. 

And with that another kid has passed off the requirement of public education. He will continue both through private study through reading books and learning from others, and higher education at a University post mission. It is so good to learn and grow with each as they explore and develop their talents and interests. It is hard to let them go but so good they want to and can. 

We did not have a grad party for Mark but did attend quite a few. We really enjoyed this one until Merle fell into a cactus patch and came up with a handful of thorns. A friend took this picture as I pulled out hundreds of spines from his palm. We continued to remove splinters for a few weeks but overall he has healed just fine. 

Lia with her special friend Megan met up at a grad party with a picture section. 

The opportunity to visit and share time with community members and friends is a lost social balm. There is great good in taking time to talk. I'm thankful for the whirlwind of good food and better conversations that happens once a year in the graduation season. Life is good.