Finals week at BFA is now over. It has been quite the relaxing week for me, though most teachers have lots of grading to do. One of the many benefits of being an orchestra teacher is not having lots of papers to grade!
Monday I had no finals, so I just organized my office and did some planning for next year.
Tuesday I proctored the history finals – AP European History, AP American History, and Korean History.
About half of my students could probably read this test and understand it. I only understood the 8 English words.
Wednesday I walked up the hill to a place with a beautiful view and lots of sunshine. It was a good time for reflection on the year. I am so excited to be coming back next year!
It was a warm, sunny day. I watched birds, insects, and cyclists go by my bench.
Thursday was designated the day for “Alumni Games.” Alumni, staff, and students competed in basketball and soccer. I played on the “alumni” girls’ soccer team.
In the evening, we had Honor’s Night. Staff members recognized student achievment in many areas. As there would be at a typical school, they gave out a music award, athletic award, and several academic awards. Yet BFA also has a tradition of giving out several other awards based on moral character, such as the “James” award for perseverance, and the “Barnabas” award for encouragement. BFA is not your average school, and these are not your average students.
At the end of the ceremony, Tim Shuman did a symbolic “passing of the baton” to the interim director for next year.
Tim Shuman passed the baton to Phil Peters
And now, with everyone properly honored and awarded, we head into Graduation Day!
Friday was a beautiful day for graduation. It was probably the most moving graduation ceremony I have ever attended.
After a welcome from the principal, the seniors all walked in and took their places on the stage.
The graduates await their diplomas
One by one, Tim Shuman called the seniors forward to present them with their diplomas. He read a short description of each person, with a Bible verse at the end to bless them as they head out into the world outside BFA. It was so personal and touching to hear how people who knew those kids well had been able to glimpse the beauty and depth of their personality and put that into words.
Tim Shuman describes this senior's special qualities, including her radiant smile!
As they came forward, the students each handed Tim Shuman a tie! He is known for loving ties, so it was an appropriate gift.
This student pulls a tie from its hidden place under his gown and gives it to Tim Shuman
The congregation sang “In Christ Alone,” then the valedictorian gave her speech. She thanked the faculty and staff at BFA for investing so much in the students’ lives and encouraged her fellow classmates to continue to do what they know is right.
R.S., the valedictorian, addresses the students
Dr. Joseph Kim gave the graduation address. He was here at BFA this year on sabbatical (most sabbaticals don’t involve teaching, but his did – he taught a Bible class). He read a very touching letter to his son, then talked about eyes. All of the graduates have had their parents’ eyes on them growing up; their parents have watched them in all their adventures, learning experiences, etc. At that moment, the eyes of everyone in the room were on the students as they marked that step of achievement. Yet he reminded everyone that the most important thing was that God has His eyes on them, and us, all the time.
Joseph Kim shares his heart with the senior class
He showed a slide show of all the seniors’ eyes (then the rest of their faces) while a student and her father sang “Father’s eyes.”
E.K. and her father perform with passion
After a dedicatory prayer and a recessional, it was over. Students, teachers, and parents crowded into the BFA courtyard; there were many hugs and tears. It was quite moving to see some of the kids clinging to their best friends. They develop such close relationships here. Leaving is like tearing a piece of your heart out!
Hugs and tears all around
To see more pictures, click on this link to my facebook album:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2047605&id=187701865&l=1d8c33cc81
