Graduation Days

June was a big month for our family generally and for Emily specifically because in June Emily graduated from high school AND from seminary. We were so happy that Madison was able to come and visit from Utah so that our entire family could be together for these special occasions. It had been eighteen months since we had all five girls together under one roof! That was entirely too long, but we're learning that as our sweet children get older this is going to start to become the norm. But for a couple of bright, happy weeks we were all together again and the highlight of those weeks were these two big events for Emily. 

Our high school here has the unique tradition of holding their commencement ceremony in a local cathedral, which is kind of cool. Construction of the cathedral in Ely began in the 11th century so this is a building which is a thousand years old. Well, parts of the building are that old. There are have been three separate major restoration works since it was first built so there are certainly some parts that are older than others. Either way, that's one old, impressive location for a high school graduation. 

Photo by David Iliff
Emily had been looking forward to graduation day and was excited to be moving on to college and the other big plans she has for her life, but she was also a little sad to be saying goodbye to her friends and to the fun times she'd had over the past few years. Lakenheath High School was good to Emily and good for Emily. Shortly after she completed her sophomore year of high school in Maryland, we were notified by the Air Force that we were to move to England. Moving part way through high school is not easy, but it was made easier for Emily because of the great environment we found when we arrived here. She found a good group of friends, quickly got involved in sports and other activities, and had opportunities to be a leader in the school.

She was happy at the high school in Maryland, but she really had the chance to stretch and grow because of the move. Emily has always been a hard worker who drives herself to not only do her best but, if at all possible, to be the best. Maybe arriving at this school partway through high school made her feel the need to prove herself? She ended up graduating fifth in the class and was recognized multiple times at the year-end awards banquet for her hard work in academics, athletics, and community service. She was also chosen as one of two recipients of the Commander's Award, which is given to the students who exemplify scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Emily has left her younger sisters with big shoes to fill. 

Sneak peek of our 2018 Christmas card...
The happy graduate!
The day after high school graduation in Ely we traveled to the stake center in Norwich for seminary graduation. This event was the end result of four years of waking up early and studying the scriptures. Thanks to seminary and great seminary teachers, Emily developed a habit of daily personal scripture study. Thanks to seminary and great seminary teachers, Emily has a knowledge of the doctrines and principles of the gospel and isn't afraid to share what she knows. Thanks to seminary and great seminary teachers, Emily is better prepared to serve as a missionary. (Some of you might know that I was Emily's seminary teacher for one year, but I promise I'm not trying to toot my own horn here.) Looking back, some lost sleep seems like a small price to pay for such great returns in her spiritual life.

Our stake doesn't have a ton of youth, but the youth we do have are such good kids. Look at these graduates!
Emily and Joe cutting the seminary graduation cake
Graduating from high school and seminary is the minimum requirement in our family and these accomplishments were not Emily's educational or spiritual end goals.  But these two events were still exciting for her and for our family. We were so happy to celebrate these milestones with Emily and recognize all the effort she puts forth and the good she does in her life.

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