As the the school year wound down last week, my middle school class had its annual awards night ceremony.  The obvious part of the program was, of course, the awards: outstanding achievement in science, math, Bible, etc.  There were also awards for most improved, outstanding Christian character, and excellent work in projects.  While it was a challenge for Miss Kirsten and me to choose the recipients of some of these, we were pleased with the final decisions.  Besides, awards are the least important part of awards night.

After an opening welcome, prayer and brief overview of the year, the evening really got stared when Rachel M read some original poetry (see earlier blog of poetry by a student).  She was nervous to share them publically, but she read them well and they were well recieved.  After presenting the awards, we did a skit in which Kirsten and I were time travelers, seeing the students in their pasts and futures.  Without knowing the students, most readers would not get the jokes, but the parents and siblings loved them.  It ended with us trying to get back into the present, only to have me say, " we're still in the future.  The kids are all middle aged and past their primes."  Kirsten replied, "That's not the kids, those are their parents!"

Then came the highlight of the evening. For several years now, I have given presents to each of my students.  These are not typical teacher / student gifts.  Instead they are all based on inside jokes.  For example, Adam was given a Mr. H action figure, and Cailyn a Miss Kirsten Barbie.  These two are our biggest fans.  

After this the kids did a final rendition of the machete medley, with Emilee Closing it out with the executioner axes.  The evening closed with a slide show put together by Brianna's mother. It was beautiful, fun and very moving.  As usual, awards night was one of the best moments of the school year!