Tessa's 8th Grade Graduation!

Here in Canada, they make a really big deal out of 8th grade graduation.  Part of the reason is that they have primary school (Kindergarten through 8th grade) and then secondary school (9th through 12th grade).  So that milestone of moving on to high school, after spending their entire elementary school years in the same school is a pretty big deal.

It was such a wonderful night.  Tessa looked absolutely beautiful, and we can't believe that she will be starting high school next year!  She is a beautiful young lady, inside & out!  She is kind, caring, hard-working, compassionate, smart, funny, and so much more!

The evening started out with a slide show of all the graduating students when they were babies, followed by their grad photos.  And of course, they played some songs along with it, that made me teary-eyed, thinking of our baby girl growing up!  :)  After the slide show, the graduates all entered, the band played "O Canada!", then there were a couple of speeches, followed by presentation of awards (Tessa received several awards, including "Honours with Distinction" for being on the honor roll for all semesters), as well as awards in art, music, and more.  We are so proud of her for working so hard in school!

After the speeches & awards, they presented all the graduates with their diplomas, then they had everyone move to the library for refreshments & a social, while they cleared out the gym for the dance.  The first dance of the night was for the graduate and their parent (dads/daughers & mothers/sons).  It was so sweet & made me a little teary-eyed too.  :)  I know...what a shock...me, teary-eyed?!  Anyway, after the first dance, the parents all left & the kids stayed & enjoyed the dance until 10 pm.  It was a great night & we are so proud of Tessa for all she has accomplished & the wonderful person she is!