Devon's Graduation from High School

Today is such a special day ...  Today Devon graduated from North Oldham High School at Broadbent arena with a GPA of 3.96 Cum Laude.  He and the other 234 graduates proudly walked across the stage to receive their diploma as official graduates.  But to start at the beginning ... 

So far in this "senior year" process I had been doing pretty good.  What I mean by that is, after the initial impact of having Devon achieve "senior" rank shock, I actually started to enjoy the year with him.  I don't know if it's because I had already been through it with Jessica or if it is because Devon took everything in stride that it rubbed off on me, but the year went by so fast - one event flowing into the other.  Devon had a busy life this year he took a hard load of classes and he did great... he was driving Marissa to seminary, he ran cross country in the fall and worked almost every weekend, he had great friends at school, church and work.   He was active in Boy Scouts earning another palm and the Gold Venture Award, Beta Club and he was dedicated to the National Honor Society as well as a political science group.  

I just really beamed with joy and pride at his accomplishments and happiness.  

But Saturday, it unsuspectingly snuck up on me and got me at a specific moment.  I'd been doing fine all week - actually too busy to even think about it what with Monday being Memorial Day, Thursday the track banquet - I'm hosting it, Wednesday was 8th grade cookout, games and dance, plus soccer games, Wednesday was also Robert's graduation, so here it is Saturday and we are making the house ready for our party, and getting things in order to leave for Devon's graduation.  I was even able to get Devon to pose for some photos before Mark took him to the arena (they have to be there early).

Today was complicated because the boys are preparing for High Adventure - and so Robert needed (so did Devon - but it was impossible) to get in a 25 mile bike ride.  He left at 6:30 am with some guys and they rode the trails all the way over to the far side of Louisville.  After Mark dropped Devon off at the arena, he went further and picked up Robert, then made back in time for the ceremony.  That seems to be the story of our lives this year - so many things needing to be done - getting as much in as humanly possible.  It wasn't Mark and I were seated in the stands that I realized, "this is my little boy - the one they said wouldn't be able to do anything ... not talk ... not ... walk correctly ... not much of anything ... there he is not only graduating but with 5 AP classes and Cum Laude honors, and scholarships to college.

Before leaving Devon was in his cap and gown - he looked so grown up - not 18 but more like 21 - more than 21 - he looked confident and radiant and ready to move on.  I was filled with joy and then the emotions of the reality of all of his accomplishments and this milestone hit me.  

Devon all ready to graduate

Devon with his dad 6/1/13

The first part of the ceremony was dedicated to the students that graduated Magna Sum Laude, Sum Laude, Cum Laude and with honors.  Devon was presented for graduating Cum Laude.  He's done an excellent job keeping his grades up even with sports, church, scouts, work and service activities.  He had a 3.96 just .04 from Magna Sum Laude.

Then the speech and the giving out of diplomas.  Devon beamed like a ray of sunshine when Mr. Wells, Superintendent of Oldham County handed the diploma to him.  He had previously met him and felt honored with his personal touch and candor. 

Devon receiving Cum Laude

Devon after getting his diploma
He even smiled and looked at me.

After the ceremony we had difficulty finding Devon.  It turned out that the graduates didn't receive their diplomas during the ceremony.  They had to find Ms. Hill or another teacher to receive them.  Devon immediately went to get his, but then helped others remember where they were supposed to go to get theirs.  He, again, was in the act of service for others.  

Devon with his family - Jessica is at the MTC
Robert 14, Mark, Devon 18, Betsy and Marissa 16

We were there a long time, so long that the South Oldham High School graduates started coming in.  All of the sudden Devon takes off running.  The next thing I know he is hugging to people in blue robes - I don't know who they are.  Then they reveal themselves - it's James Cluff and Steven Fisher - friends from church.  How special.  They are amazing friends and give each other great support.  James and Devon did High Adventure together last year, and Steven and Devon were just made Elders at the same time.  It's great we could get a photo of them together.

Steven Fisher, Devon Lowe, and James Cluff

Devon and his brother, Robert :)

I am so filled with pure joy and happiness for the success that I've been able to witness as I raised and nurtured Devon from a baby to young boy, to boy to man.  He truly has grown up and is ready for the next chapter in his life.  This is one of my favorite photos of all time.

Devon and his mom

While we were there were also saw Hannah Orr and Sarah Dowdy, also friends from church.  Sarah has moved to Denver, CO and Hannah moved to Michigan but returned to Kentucky last year.  She attends South and is in the Crestwood 2nd ward.  Devon and Hannah have been friends since they were 8 years old.  It's great to see them together at graduation.

Hannah Orr, Devon and Sarah Dowdy

After Graduation - Marissa made a comparison photo - Jessica's graduation on top and Devon's on the bottom - so cool!  In just two years Devon's grown up so much.  You can really see the difference.