Grads

June 7th was a big day for the boys, marking Liam’s graduation from middle school to high school and Isaac’s graduation from the 5th grade into middle school at The McGillis School. This will be the first time since preschool that the boys will be attending different schools from one another, and for Liam, his first time attending a public school; AMES Academy, a charter school in Salt Lake City focused on Science and Engineering.

To mark the occasion, my parents, sister and I flew in to celebrate the big day with them at the McGillis School. After picking up the boys and checking in to our hotel, we got a graduation surprise in the form of a room upgrade to the executive suite at the Sheraton, a two story apartment suite with a fireplace, a private concierge, jacuzzi tub, and direct access to the pool.

The boys were impressed as this was big enough to play hide and seek.

From there, we changed into our graduation outfits and made our way to a Brazilian steakhouse, similar to our beloved Fogo de Chao, where the boys received their graduation cards and presents. Liam got a custom compass from me and Ren with the inscription, "So you always find your way" to help him as he navigates this next chapter of his schooling, while Isaac got a video game inspired shirt showing that he had leveled up from the 5th grade.

Once at graduation, the boys reconnected with friends and classmates. The night was mostly Liam’s as Isaac’s graduation had occurred during school hours before our arrival. That said, Isaac did insist on showing us his classroom and giving us a little tour of the school. Liam posed for pics with friends and classmates and we gathered in the McGillis gym where each of the graduating students would be described as a bird by the McGillis staff and faculty. Liam was a screech owl and praised for his warmth and sensitivity as well as noted as being an avid reader. Although the label was odd, the descriptions showed that in his short time there - just two years - they had come to know and appreciate Liam.

Graduation concluded with sweets and drinks in the recess area where Liam said his goodbyes to his classmates other than the seven that would be joining him at AMES after summer break.

We then drove off in our rental car with a huge sunroof so that the boys could stand up and wave goodbye to their school.

The next morning, we met my parents and sister for breakfast by a local park and the boys and I walked over to check out the aviary and pond. From there I flew to Prague to meet Ren and the boys began their adventure with my parents and sister to explore Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas including a visit to the planetarium and gardens in Salt Lake City as well as fishing and hiking by the Snake River.

The move to SLC in 2021 was a big change for both of them. I'm so proud of my boys for adapting to their new school and thriving there. Report cards have since come in for both along with teacher comments and it's clear that they they are more than ready for the next chapters in their schooling. When I was Liam's age, I made lifelong friends during my freshman year of high school and I very much hope for the same for Liam. Go Vespremi boys!