The past four years have literally flown by. So much growth–physically and spiritually–in four years. So many events. And now it’s over.

The ceremony took place at Edman Chapel. Ruth met up with her buds, and they sat together.

Derek was one of three students picked to give a speech. He knocked it out of the park.

They called the 160 or so names, and we watched each graduate walk across the stage. Derek hugged the principal.

and received his diploma from the head-of-school.

Then it was time to meet up with him outside. Thankfully, the weather was beautiful!

I have a hunch that Peter is going to miss his brother in the fall.

We were so grateful to have Dave and Judi join us,

as well as Mom and Dad.

Joyful fam.

And the whole crew together!

From the moment Derek stepped outside, he was talking. Talking to friends, parents, teachers… Eventually we noticed that people were leaving little by little; but Derek remained talking.

He talked until he was literally the last graduate. I called him Last Grad Standing.

It was a great day, and one we won’t soon forget. Here is a livestream of the ceremony; Derek’s speech begins at 35:40.