Senior Year Track Banquet

I forgot to bring the SD card for my camera so I am without pictures, but what can I do.  Hopefully my friend will email me some pictures.

Betsy was volunteered (sorta stepped into the roll) of hosting the track banquet this year.  She worked very hard on getting other volunteers - the Fithian's volunteered to do decorations which was a huge help.  Other than that, she did it all.  She secured the John Black Community Center to hold the event, contracted Qdoba to cater the event and ordered cakes from Costco.  (Jessica told her the choices).  She decorated the room with balloons; black, silver and teal star balloons along with massive "2011" balloons.  The athletes sat at the head table while the parents sat at round tables around the room.  Betsy went early in the day to get the room set up so that she could relax at 6:00 when everyone else started showing up.  The banquet started at 6:30.

Jessica and all her friends from track and their families attended the annual track banquet.  This was such a special one because so many girls did so well, and as a team we accomplished more than we ever had before!  The evening went so nice.  It was long - ending around 9:00 p.m. but that was fine because it was such a wonderful night.

Betsy made sure the senior girls received their senior track books!  She had spent hours and hours (more like days and days) volunteering her time making these memory books for the 11 seniors on the team.

It's hard to believe that after four years of running for the school, Jessica's NOHS track career is over.  She did fantastic, and I even teared up thinking about it.  She's been such a terrific daughter to watch run and she's given us such delightful pleasure cheering for her (and her teammates).

What a great season!

BEST PART OF THE JOB

I love volunteering because I am doing something for someone else with no benefit to me - however when it comes to presenting awards to kids, I get a thrill out of it, too.

First Day at the Glen Oaks Pool

Mark and I took the younger kids up to the Glen Oaks pool after the Memorial Breakfast (and getting some chores done).  The water felt great in the piercing heat of the bright sun.  It was a perfect pool day except that we got there after the rush, so there were NO lounge chairs for us to spread out on.  Luckily, we found some chairs and shared.  

Robert eating Reece's ice cream pie

Marissa had to squint - the sun was so bright

Marissa took a picture of Mark and I at the pool

I love being the one to capture special moments on film.  I just happened to be walking by when the little kids tried to push Mark into the pool.  Mark ended up grabbing both of them and taking them in with him.  It was a big SPLASH!

After the big splash, they decided to jump into the pool together...

Ready …Set … Go

  Up… and ...

  In...

   SPLASH!!

  Where did they go ???

Marissa swimming in the cool water

Mark and Robert with the football
Some habits never die

It was a great day in the sun but the pool.  Later on Betsy went to help her friend Meredith with a move, but Meredith wasn't home, so Betsy bought so plants for the outside.  She loves to take advantage of the good weather and beautiful the yard.  We have a party coming up next weekend so it was perfect timing.  Mark helped Betsy get all the plants in today!

Memorial Day Breakfast

5/30/11 Monday Morning 8:30 am.  Our ward gathers at Briar Hill Park for a memorial breakfast.  The scouts of our ward conducted the ceremony.  Devon presented the colors, which was followed by the choir and a prayer.  

Brother Dean Stewart, whom served in WWII recounted many of the amazing situations he was in and how the Lord saved him for another calling.  Several times his life was spared, in that he was separated from his troop just before his troop was attacked or sent into a "no win" situation.  Brother Steward is one of the most honorable and respected men I know.  He has a love for education and knowledge.  He is always so pleasant and kind.   After the ceremony the choir sang again and then everyone ate breakfast.

One of the best parts of having a super great camera and zoom lens is that I was able to get pictures of Devon without him knowing I was even watching.  I loved this!  He was so kind - without anyone knowing or asking Devon offered to push all the little kids on the swings.  He interacted with them so pleasantly and thoughtfully.  He didn't leave anyone out.  He pushed all three kids, boys and girls.  

Mark and Betsy on Memorial Day
Marissa took the picture

Robert had great fun playing all sorts of "ball" games with his friends.  There are approximately 12 boys his age in our ward.  It's a great group of boys.  Marissa had a good time too.  She was off chatting and talking with her friends.  We got Robert and Marissa to play volleyball with us later on.

As the morning went on, I caught Devon helping Henry learn to ride a bike and teaching Conner how to throw a frisbee.  He was so kind - all day!  

After Conner got bored with the frisbee, Devon and I played for a while before his friends joined us.  I let him play with his friends for the rest of the time.  

Mark and Kaleb fighting for the frisbee

Mark and I played volleyball with several kids and grown ups from the ward.  I love to play volleyball.  It's a great morning!

NOHS Girls Track and Field finish 4th overall in the STATE!

Overall it was a fantastic day at the 2A State Championship Meet for Jessica and for her entire team.  Their were several events where we placed in the top 8, earning a spot on the podium.  4x800 (2nd), 4x400 (4th), 4x200 (5th), 4x100 (6th), 1600 (4th), 800 (4th), 400 (7th), 100 (5th), 100 HH (5th), Long Jump (4th), High Jump (4th). OVERALL OUR TEAM TOOK 4th Place with 50 points in the STATE MEET!  (we were only 5 points away from 3rd place)

We've never ever come close to that before.  The best they've ever place before was 14th two years ago when we had Erin Overcash win State High Jump (giving the team 10 points).

The team went crazy celebrating!

What was equally as nice was the boys track team won 1st place - they are STATE CHAMPIONS!  Both teams from North Oldham High School celebrated with a victory lap and hugs and kisses!

4 x 800 team:  Jessica, Hannah, Ali, and Sara

Celebrating!!!

Jessica with both her medals!

Hannah, Jessica Lowe and Jessica Andres

North Oldham 4th Place with 50 points

The seniors storming the field

Receiving the trophy

Coaches speech in the middle of the track

Everyone that was still there at the end

Seniors with the trophy!

Seniors with the trophy!  Jessica Andres (4x400, 4x200), Lucy Gibson (4x400, 4x200, 4x100), Sarah Redel (4x800) Jessica Lowe (4x800, 1600), Casey Wattley

Lucy Gibson and Jessica Lowe (friends since 8th grade)

Head Coach, Alan Yanke - very happy

Lucy and Jessica with Coach Grimm - he also coached basketball with the girls

Congrats on the best season ever at NOHS!!

Jessica 10th in the state in the 800 meter

In first place

5/26/11 - Jessica ran a tough race, but with the heat of the day and giving everything she had in the mile, she got sick just before the 800 Meter run.  She was throwing up back at the tent when they called for the race.   Again, she started out so strong - there in the front are Jessica Lowe and Ali Hall from NOHS.  She kept her positioning in the top five for the first lap with consistency.

In 2nd place

In 4th place

In the end Jessica finished in 10th place.  She was just too spent from being sick after the mile.  She had a very bad headache all day.  I hope she isn't too disappointed.  She has run this race in 2:27 (which is what Ali Hall ran it in, setting a new PR and school record).  Jessica was happy for Ali (as were we).  They both did a great job!

Jessica 4th fastest in the mile in the state of Kentucky

Jessica in the lead on the back stretch

Jessica's second event at State was the 1600 Meter run, or more commonly called "The Mile".  She started out pacing herself, but it is so hard for her - she likes to be in front.  In the picture below you can see her in front.  The second girl is the one that came in 1st place.  Her name is Katarina Karas and she ran a 5:17 mile.  She has been running this event for years, whereas Jessica is running it for the 6th time in her life today at the State Championships.  This is such a thrill for us to watch.  This also is Jessica's favorite event.  She really wants to do well today!
 As Jessica continues the race, she looks cool and confident.  She settles in for a good pace and pushes herself to stay in the front (1st, 2nd or 3rd).

Jessica a face ahead of the first place winner and the 3rd place winner

Inching out into the lead on the last lap.

Jessica on the last 100 meters, but she doesn't realize someone is on her heals until...

This girl gave Jessica the run of her life in the last 50 meters, passing her just before the finish line.

 Jessica ran an amazing race - finishing 4th in the state, breaking her own best time for a PR of 5:27.99 and breaking her own school record!  Mom and Dad were there to congratulate her after the race!  I can't even imagine running a 7:00 minute mile and she does it in 5:27.

 Jessica was later called to the podium to receive her medal for the 1600 Meter Run!

This is Jessica's favorite race.  I think she will try to run for BYU's track team.  She has the skill and the talent.   It's amazing to think, this is her first year running this event and she came in 4th in the STATE!

Congratulations Jessica!!!