The Graduate

Weeks before graduation day, rumors around school and from what I saw noted and inscribed in her school yearbook having voted “Most Likely to Succeed” in the entire graduating class of 2010, one would think my daughter will surely be awarded top honor (aka Valedictorian) of Class 2010.

Well, that’s what we initially thought!

Daughter received her middle school diploma (8th grade) recently amidst little annoyance and disappointment of her recent achievement.

Apparently, official school rules say you must have attended 3 full years of residency to be considered top honor of graduating class. Daughter only attended the last 2 years of middle school there.

Talk about technicalities that cost her THE top honor and the privilege of speaking over the entire class during the baccalaureate program. It would have been fun addressing the crowd knowing how daughter love to put humor and smile on everyone. She might even dance her way to the stage if her name gets called and announce “Hakuna Matata”.

Daughter still got called to the stage and awarded special honors all right! But nothing would have satisfied her and her mom even more, unless it’s the top award and she gets to address the crowd in a speech.

I on the other hand was just ecstatic of seeing her again on stage making a name for herself, knowing she’s doing her best at all times, sometimes sans the public recognition that she deserves.

I reminded her that when trying to reach the top, what is more important is that she is enjoying the climb.

Cheers to my “unica hija” and to all the other graduates!

Next stop: High school.