05/16/2026
Yesterday was a good day! Between Lexi and I, we photographed three graduations (two ceremonies at the same time and a mock graduation/dress rehearsal in the morning)!!!
Y'all, last night I had a first (and after 20 something years in this business, that isn't easy)!
In years past, I've watched graduates hand the Jena High School principal something small as they reached to shake the principal's hand. It is usually something reminiscent of something that happened that year (I'll never forget handing the principal matches after the school burned down -- ok we can giggle a little now, right? Still too soon???).
Last night each of the kids walks up and gives Kathy Smith of Grant High School a tiny duck!!! Just little plastic ducks! They were so cute actually. She told me later that last year it was marbles -- she keeps them in a jar in her office and will keep these as well!
The last kid to walk up -- y'all he gave her a real, live duck! a beautiful tiny, very REAL baby DUCKLING!!!!!
Grant's graduation ceremony is always a good one, as the principal really seems to have a wonderful rapport with her students -- it shows in the way she warmly congratulates them and the way they hug her and stand close for their picture. As I called Lexi to tell her about my night, she was astounded that this one sweet boy would've had to hold on to this BABY FARM ANIMAL and keep it alive through getting to school, waiting, walking in, sitting during all the speeches, standing in line, and then presenting it! Good job, young man!!!
It was a good night!
