The Last One....for Both!

We had a busy weekend the first of May with a couple of events....events that will never happen again for T.  A bit sad to think of it that way, but true.

First off, we went to T's last JROTC Awards Dinner.  Since it was his 4th and last one, we decided to take the whole family....not a cheap thing to do, but we felt it important for J and K to have that chance for once.

It was held at the Antler's Hilton downtown instead of the Air Force Academy....not sure why, but it was very nice.  The food was yummy.....the dessert was to DIE FOR!  I wish I had taken a picture of this most delicious chocolate cake.  It was pure heaven I must say.  Anyway, the dinner was great...and so were the awards.

T always gets an award and this year was no different.  He got a Certificate of Completion for 4 years of JROTC as well as a Letter.  (He now has a pin to go on his Letterman's jacket)  He also received the "Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War" award.  We figured that he was a good candidate for this award when they mentioned that the deserving cadet is one that “shows a high degree of patriotism to his/her Nation and has demonstrated a high degree of academic performance and leadership.” That fits T perfectly.  He received a medal and a ribbon with this award.  He now has to get another ribbon rack that will fit his final ribbon.

It is hard to realize that this part of his life is over.  That this is the last time he will wear this uniform with all the ribbons, medals, pins and cords on it.  Somehow I will need to find a way to display all these adornments that represent this fabulous son of mine.  He did an awesome job in JROTC.  He has held many leadership positions.....Flight Commander and Group Commander to name a couple.  He made it to the rank of Colonel just a few months ago....the first to attain that rank in awhile in this squadron.  It was hard to see him relinquish his command of the group as the new "Top Five" were announced that evening.  It truly is over.

**here are the outgoing Top Five**

Good Job my Son!  A job well done.  I love to hear Colonel and Chief comment to me about T and how great he is, or that he did this that was so good and that every day they see the reason why he was put in as the top dog this year....he demonstrates it constantly they said.  Nice to hear his teachers say that.  I think he will miss it....even though he says he won't.

NEXT.....comes Prom #2....the final Prom!

M asked T to her Prom by giving him a huge cookie dough platter with the question written on the top....he is still eating it (and not sharing with anyone!)  Last year her prom was the next weekend after Sand Creek, but it was 2 weeks later this year.

She wanted to meet up with some girlfriends, so they went to Garden of the Gods to take pictures before going to dinner.  T is such a good sport....he was the only guy.  Then it was dinner at Zio's and the dance at the Pinery.

He said it was lots of fun.....and he was very tired.  It is tough being a senior and being so involved.

And FINALLY to finish the weekend....the Teacher's Awards!  Every year teachers pick students from their classes that they think are the best I guess.  Those that have shown all around excellence.  It is also when Scorpion of the Year is awarded for each of the grade levels.  T has been invited every year to attend....what can I say, his teachers love him!

This year he received an award from JROTC...no surprise there. 

We figured he was not in the running for Scorpion of the Year since he was suspended for that good clean prank last fall.  And he didn't get it.  As we were leaving he asked the Principal about it and she said that was not the case.....not so sure that is accurate but I told her I thought the punishment was too harsh and she agreed (she was not involved in that) and we had a good laugh remembering how awesome it was and how everyone was on his side about the whole thing.  But I was sorry that he didn't get that award....cuz he is the best senior this year.  :) 

CONGRATS T....you did great!