Michelle's High School Graduation

Many of you know that my trip back to the USA was timed to be there for the big event.  My granddaughter, Michelle, was graduating with many honors from Modesto Christian High School. Thursday, May 23, 2013.

Michelle's Dad, Tim and son, Evan were on the team to film it all.
(Click on pictures to enlarge.)

Michelle's proud mother, Cheryl, (right) waits for the moment with family members including her parents, Ken and Mary Crow.

500 people stand to their feet as the 52 graduates march in.  Michelle is that gorgeous blonde behind the girl with the dark glasses.

This is a Christian High School, there were salutes to the American flag, the Christian flag and the Bible.

Students with special honors were asked to stand.  There were many, among them Michelle.

Michelle played the keyboard... 

...as a special choir sang.

A brilliant Christian young man, Zachary O'Leary, who is Michelle's special friend, gave the Valedictorian speech.

When the big moment came my camera refused to focus.  Pastor Lance Lowell gives out the diplomas and is the first to congratulate Michelle.

The official photographer had his camera between us, but I managed to get the shot of Michelle with her diploma and the school principal.

Finally it was my turn to give Michelle a hug and congratulate her on completing this important step in her life with honors. 

 Tim, Evan, Michelle and Cheryl Hiatt: a family that is bent upon serving God and their fellow man. 

From the graduation ceremony a large group of us retired to the Hiatt house for a second celebration... with good food, including this photo-cake.

Michelle will be majoring in graphic art and design at Azuza Pacific University starting this fall.  She has won many awards for her paintings.  The duck (right) is among them.

Ralph