My sister, Sarah, graduated this weekend so there was a lot of celebrating going on!
Sarah and her friends lining up, waiting for Graduation to start
Sarah & Pear
Sarah & Priscilla
Ana & Julia
Jackie & Ana
Sarah & Pear walking in the Graduation Procession
Sarah's school is divided between boys and girls, so awards and Validictorian speeches were done for the boys' side and then the girls'. There were several awards given to recognize the top students from each side with the highest GPA in Math, Science, etc.... There were also a couple of special awards that acknowledged the 'best all around' students. There were times when we all kind of teared up just in seeing how proud the parents were to see their children accepting their awards up there, being acknowledged by his/her teachers and classmates.
Next, it was time to give the "Semper Altius" award, which is Latin for "Always Higher". This is the motto on the school crest and something the school really emphasizes....always aiming higher, always improving, never giving up. They announced the recipient....SARAH GOULAS!!!!
We all looked at each other like, "Did they just say Sarah's name????" Then immediately jumped up, clapping, cheering, hugging each other! I can only imagine how proud my parents were because Sarah is not even my own child and I was BEAMING with pride! Of all the awards to get, to me this was top notch! To be recognized as someone who is always aiming higher and someone who never gives up?? AMAZING!
Of course, this is the bonk photo I got of her receiving her award. But, in all of the excitement, I almost forgot to get a picture at all! :)
Sarah (after the ceremony) posing with the school crest....SEMPER ALTIUS!
Graduation Procession....
Priscilla
Julia
Ana
Jackie
Sarah - We are so proud of you and the amazing young woman you are! We have seen you go through the good, the bad and the ugly and are, not suprised, but in awe of your transformation. I cannot begin to tell you how much I admire you and look up to you. Semper Altius is a perfect description of you and your attitude and accomplishments. It makes my heart smile to look at you and know that you now see yourself as the beautiful, smart, caring, sweet, funny, self-less and amazing person that we have always known you were. Congratulations, Sarah! We are so PROUD of you and love you VERY much!
Ana
Jackie
Father Alfonse
The Graduates
The Graduates 
The Proud Parents
Sarah & I
Jay and his "baby girl"....all grown up! :) 
Sarah & I
Jay and his "baby girl"....all grown up! :) Awww...Sarah and John smile for the camera
Behind the scenes....hahahah!
Sarah and her Besties
Mom and HER Besties :)
Aunt Donna & Nanna Moon (two of my aunts) flew in and surprised Sarah for Graduation
Sarah - We are so proud of you and the amazing young woman you are! We have seen you go through the good, the bad and the ugly and are, not suprised, but in awe of your transformation. I cannot begin to tell you how much I admire you and look up to you. Semper Altius is a perfect description of you and your attitude and accomplishments. It makes my heart smile to look at you and know that you now see yourself as the beautiful, smart, caring, sweet, funny, self-less and amazing person that we have always known you were. Congratulations, Sarah! We are so PROUD of you and love you VERY much!
