The "Welcoming the new Graduate!" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Standing in the front of the auditorium/ gymnasium of the Centerville Elementary School in Urbana, Maryland with a few other people snapping photos of my granddaughter Courtney's graduation. In Frederick County, MD the students celebrate graduation from 5th grade into Middle School.  Place is packed with approximately 200 graduates plus  teachers, a couple hundred parents, grandparents and friends in the auditorium while a gym class is in progress at the rear in the gymnasium.  After the students filed into the seats in the front of the auditorium wearing their blue tees with "2013" on the back that featured everyone's name, the principal gave a short introduction which was followed by a class song and individual teachers having their class stand so they could talk about the progress they made during the school year.  Courtney's teacher gave an emotional talk and her students gave her a big round of applause as she finished.  A video presentation featuring just about every 5th grade student followed with a few more choral songs from the entire class.  When the hour ceremony was over the students followed each other to the playground where they met with family and friends for photos and lots of hugs.  Courtney will be in the Urbana Middle School next year which is grades 6 thru 8.  New learning experiences as well as a chance to meet new friends.  Today was the first of three graduations she will progress through during her educational experiences in the Urbana school system.  Her report card she received today reflected the excellent student she has been for the six years she has spent at Centerville Elementary.  Congratulations Courtney for a great job well done.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.  

Urbana, MD

Graduates file through applauding younger students

Graduates seated in the front of the auditorium

Panel on the stage held everyone's photo with their teacher

All graduate signatures were on the rear of their shirts.  Courtney's name can be found in the bottom right of the #2.  Click on photo to enlarge.

Video presentation shows Courtney as second from the left

Courtney discovered I was right behind her

Courtney with Carol and LDub

Courtney with grandparents Linda and Joe 

Courtney with proud parents Dave and Brynn

Friends

The New Graduate