05/22/2026
Yesterday was such an incredibly long, heart-filled, and whirlwind of a day. After spending hours coordinating back-to-back graduations—from our tiniest learners just beginning their journey in kindergarten to our seniors preparing to step into the world—I am just now taking a breath.
It is amazing how similar these two milestones feel. As I watched the kindergarteners, beaming with pride as they walked across the stage, I saw the exact same wonder and excitement that filled the faces of our seniors at the Crighton Theatre.
It is funny how time plays tricks on us as parents. When I looked at those seniors last night, poised and ready for their next chapter, my mind kept flashing back to the kindergarten graduation —just trying to master their ABCs and hold a pencil for the first time. We spend years guiding them, and in a single heartbeat, the "kindergarten version" of our kids is suddenly trading in their small backpacks for big dreams and a diploma.
The energy in the room was identical for both groups: that nervous, beautiful glow of accomplishment. To all the parents who spent the day fighting back tears, I saw you. Whether they are five or eighteen, that milestone is monumental.
Congratulations to all our graduates—those just starting their path and those graduating into the future. You’ve grown so much, and yet, you’re still the same bright stars you were on your very first day of school.
A special thanks to Leah Lamp, Melissa King, Dr. Wallace, Gracie Jager, Ciaran Compton, Bridget and Mick, Ralph Sanders, and the parents and teens that made it a huge success. Also a huge thank you to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion for providing an instrument “zoo” for the kinder graduates and families.
Thank you to Sean for lending a camera in a moments notice!
Of course thank you everyone at the Crighton. Melody, Toni, Kathy and Robben, you are keeping those walls filled with laughter and love and making a tangible space feel like “home” for so many of us.
