Even before my son was born, I was obsessed with milestones. During my wife’s pregnancy, I wanted to know how he was growing. I monitored his progress throughout his infancy and his toddler years. Even now in his teenage years, although I may not perseverate as much as I used to, I still pay attention.
Last Friday, my son reached a milestone. He promoted from junior high.
Some of you may know that he attended the same junior high that I teach in. He was even a student in one of my classes during 7th grade. Believe it or not, it wasn’t weird at all. If you think about, I’ve been his teacher all of his life.
Watching him go through the Promotion Ceremony on Friday forced me to think about Ben’s progress over the past two years in junior high. In spite of having his Dad at school, he did a pretty good job of creating his own identity and not just being “Mr. B’s kid.”
Oh man… What a difference a couple of years makes! (Please bear with me as I flashback through my kid’s junior high career.)
First day of school, August 2012
Last day of school, May 30, 2014
Intermediate Band Concert, Oct 2012
Jazz Band, improvisational solo, May 2014
Science Olympiad participant at an Invitational Tournament, Jan 2013
Science Olympiad medalist at the State Finals, April 2014
National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony, May 2014
Performing on stage during International/Renaissance Day, May 2014
Picking up his school shirt before his first day of junior high, Aug 2012
With friends at the end of the 8th Grade Promo Dance, May 2014
First day of junior high, Aug 2012.
Last day of junior high, May 2014
Great job, Ben! I’m so proud of you!
Love,
Dad
