On Monday, May 23, we hosted a graduation/reception for Landon at the Hampton Inn & Suites where Greg works. We began by showing the slide show I previously blogged. Then I had asked 6 different people who've been instrumental in Landon's life to speak about him and give him a vision for the future. All I can say is that this was incredible!
I started and managed not to get too choked up.
Next was the commander of his CAP squadron, Major Keith Shewbart.
Doug Dodd, who was Landon's Sunday School teacher for a year and taught him in the Sheriff's Citizen Academy, went next. His oldest daughter and Landon are 19 days apart, and he grew up with Greg as well.
Next, Bob Ayton spoke. Bob is an AP Chemistry and Physics teacher at Dunnellon High School. He and Landon struck up a friendship at church and had long conversations about science topics. Bob wrote a letter of recommendation for Landon when he was applying to be a National Merit Scholarship finalist.
Kim Lacognata, the Preschool Director at the Church@ the Springs, went next. Landon worked in the 3-year-old class there for more than a year.
AJ, Landon's cousin, spoke next. AJ and Landon spent a lot of time driving back and forth to the community college this year and had a few classes together as well.
Finally, Kevin Spiddle spoke. Kevin and his wife Linda are our "Plan B" parents and have spent a lot of time with our kids over the past 10 years.
Greg summed it up, but he got choked up while trying to thank me for the hard work and commitment that helped Landon get to where he is. It was overwhelming since Greg is usually the jokester.
Finally, we asked the men in the room to join us as we prayed over Landon. Joe Lacognata was so gracious to pray, and it was a really incredible time!
We had a great time socializing after that.
These two boys (Marl and my #2 son, Gerren) were born on the same day when we were living across the street from each other.
These Lacognata girls are our favorites!
Carys always has a silly face!
I think she gets it from her sister. :)
Here's the happy graduate.
On the following Sunday, May 29th, Landon went through a formal graduation ceremony at the FPEA convention. I will do a post on that when I get the pictures back!
4 comments:
Linda, what a fabulous occasion. The whole thing sounds just wonderful!
Sounds like a wonderful celebration!
Fantastic, Linda. What a perfect celebration and tribute. Did you and Landon talked about which he liked best? The private or the public? Krista is our only one who chose her own ceremony and I found it much more meaningful for her and us. the others loved the big shindig with support group..not sure what Jared will have.
He talked positively about both, DeEtta. I didn't really ask which he liked better. I know he was completely in awe of the personalized graduation. He was overwhelmed with all the things people had to say about him, and he really loved having a chance to talk individually with everyone. I think the big pull to the FPEA graduation (which is our state convention, so there were 254 grads) was that the governor gave them their diplomas. He also won a scholarship from them that he would not have been eligible for without going through the ceremony. So, I think he'd have a hard time choosing!
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