Graduation Day!

Asher graduated today! 

Having learned a little something from Noah's graduation, we made sure to take pictures *before* the ceremony, when spirits were higher and cooperation was more likely. ;) I also pinned Asher's cords to his robe so as not to lose them like Noah did. And we had to cut the back of Asher's cap altogether to get it to fit on his head. 

So. These pictures were taken before the ceremony. Then we left Noah and Micah at home and headed to the event. (Only two guests were allowed per graduate.) Brothers watched the livestream of the ceremony and preferred that. :) I *think* you can see the recording of the ceremony here if you're interested. 

Here's inside the ceremony. Nathan and I ended up in a back corner, which turned out okay because it meant I could stand on my chair, lol. 

The graduates were in spaced out chairs in the middle, with guest on either side. Asher actually ended up on an end, so I was able to get a decent shot of him and see him during the ceremony...

(Yes, that's obviously from closer than the back corner where I was standing on the chair. During parts of the ceremony, I sat with a friend who had an extra seat and was closer to the "aisle" where Asher was. It was lovely sharing the event with her and catching up.)

All in all, the ceremony actually went really well. We enjoyed the speakers and the overall mood of celebration and resilience and pride. Asher's class had 233 graduates...who earned a total of 13,094 college credits (for FREE!), 151 associate degrees, and 88 certificates. The gold cords Asher's wearing signify those graduating Summa Cum Laude (4.2-5.0 weighted GPA)...there were 90 in the class. The silver medallion he's wearing was for having earned his Postsecondary Workforce Readiness Endorsed Diploma...there were 24 in the class. Asher also graduated with High Honors, having earned 60+ college credits and/or an Associate Degree. (There were 153 High Honors graduates.)

So very thankful for this program and so very proud of our boy!

A little sad to not have had more of a celebration right now but looking forward to summer and celebrating throughout in smaller groups. Also, I compiled a collection of videos from friends and family wishing Asher congrats or sharing a favorite memory or giving some advice...so he was able to watch that today and know that people were thinking of him. :) To all those who contributed, many, many thanks!