Blue Nettles

So, today I got an email from Megan's swim coach from Judge. Matt wanted to let us know that Megan came very close to receiving the CHRIST THE KING award @ graduation. Here is a description of the award:

The Christ the King Awards are the highest awards Judge Memorial Catholic High School bestows during our graduation season. The recipients are young adults who bring to life the philosophy of the school in their academic and extra-curricular involvement, in their moral actions and attitudes at school, in their parishes, and in their local communities. Seniors are nominated as being those two graduates who best represent the ideals of Judge Memorial Catholic High School. This award reads: "in recognition of outstanding dedication and zeal to the service of God and School."

Apparently she was just a few votes behind. Matt went on to say more of what he has always said about Megan- great things- but that obviously that was noticed by much of the faculty as well. This award, he said, truly embodied all of who Megan is.

So, we are proud just a little bit more...if that is possible...when we thought we were already over the top with proud.

Megan and her good friend, Maria. They have been involved in lots of things together; Cross Country, Swim Team, Girls' Golf Team (captains together), Girl Scouts (both earned their Gold Awards), they created together the highlights DVDs of Swim Season for 2 years and Golf Team this year- and all-around good friends through everything!
After the Baccalaureate Mass @ the Cathedral on Thursday evening.
After graduation @ Abravenal Hall downtown.
Earlier in the week @ the Athletics/Activities Awards. Megan received The Sister Louise Marie Award: Most Inspirational Player. She received this from her Golf Coaches. It was given to her friend, Maria as well.
Megan with her friends; Christina and Steph (went to Cosgriff together, too). We had an Open House last weekend to start the celebrations for the week. Lots of friends, family (Don, Marion, Charley, Gwen).

Needless to say- we are so proud of Megan- she is an amazing kid and grown to be such a beautiful person! She has had great friends and family in her life influencing her along the way. Through the past year, Duane and I have been trying to get our heads around the fact that she is soon on her way in her life - on her own. We are the first to say that it all has happened so fast and we've been having so much fun with her. But we're now excited for her, too to move on in the directions she is choosing. We know she will do great things out there in the world!

To that I say:

This morning Megan and Marisa drove away together to school. Last day they will do that together. Megan still has some events to attend next week at school but today is her last day of official classes.
They used to let me take pictures of them standing together on the front step with their backpacks. This morning when I said I wanted to take a picture for Megan's last day- they laughed and raced to the car (I had to run out to the curb to catch this photo!). I guess this photo is more appropriate anyway. They just want to get on with their lives!
How many times we've heard from the "older" generations- that they grow up so fast. Well, they are so right- and you just don't get it until you experience it yourself.

Ellie, that's great that you saw Ron. I can't believe he is a grandfather!
Good to hear how Uncle Charles is doing as well.

Yesterday, I led the 8th Grade class Retreat for their end of year and transition onto high school. I love to see the process of these kids growing through the years, reflect on who they are and where they are going.

Have a happy day!
Kay

Today I had lunch with Ron Blue from Illinois. He was in town for the week on business. I met him downtown at his hotel for lunch. He has a very busy schedule, but we squeezed in an hour lunch. I had a great time. He was very chatty. I showed him our family Easter picture. Ron works for the railroad (15 years) in safety. He and Laurel have 3 1/2 grandkids. They call him "Poppa". Charles is 83 and had his appendix out last month, doing fine. Everyone seems to be doing good. I gave him a copy of our contact list. You may hear from him. He promises to send pictures.

Small world...

I remember kind of knowing the Leopardi family in Brigham City; mostly just remember the name and that they had a lot of kids and somehow our family interacted with theirs (that's what happens when you're the youngest and just watch all the older kids run around).
Well, a few weeks ago I saw an obituary for Mr. Leopardi. I wondered it it was the one from Brigham City but skimmed it so quickly and nothing jumped out as the same family. Well, then that same week, I was at school talking with a Dad of a student at Cosgriff (that I've been acquainted with for several years), just making small talk as we stood in the hall waiting while he was picking up his son. He told me that his father's funeral was the day before. As we talked further, I mentioned that I knew a family in Brigham City with that name. Well, he said "that's my family." I asked him if he remembered the Blue family...he said he remembered the name and that we went to St. Henry's. So, anyway his name is Dave. Does anyone remember him?
Then today, again at Cosgriff, I was attending a brunch for the graduating 8th Graders- and talked again with Dave. He had brought his mother(her name is Kay) and he introduced me to her. She remembers you, Mom that Mr. Leopardi worked with you at the Indian School.

Small world.