June 2023 was a pretty significant month for our Brooklyn McCall. This bubbling, brilliant gal graudated! In fact, she even earned her International Baccalaureate Programme Diploma! This is a pretty huge deal, involving a monumental amount of effort. IBDP students pass examinations in six different subjects, take a Theory of Knowledge course, write a 4000 word extended esay. and reflectively engage with Creativity, Activity, and Service. Great work, Buttermilk!
Brooklyn's Extended Essay question: "How do the intercalary chapters in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck enhance the theme of selfishness leading to the destruction of social stability and function?" Easy peasy. Half the word count right there.
Our favorite friend and former IB Coordinator Shannon Wilson presented Brooklyn with her medallion. Such a sweet moment! Almost as tender as Shannon giving a medallion to her son Mitch.
IB friends Brooklyn, Stine, and Raghav. So proud of all these kids! West High had about 100 IB Seniors this year. Amazing!
Brooklyn's friends happened to have a trip to the Salt Flats planned on the day they picked up their caps and gowns. (For better or worse, most Seniors don't spend much time in class after those IB tests are over.) The Salt Flats are a great place for impromptu Senior pictures!
Graduation Day! Friday, June 9th, 2023. Decorating for the post party.
Brooklyn went over to her friend Lily's house to get dolled up. Doesn't she look beautiful?
I'm so proud of this girl!
Vibrant, resourceful, and compassionate, she's already making this world a better place.
A Krakens ring and music finger nails, courtesy of her Aunt Callie. This cute girl is beautifully spoiled!
Photo round number two, this time with all the regalia.
Graduation is feeling real!
So many cords and medallions, all evidence of how hard whe worked! An Honors stole, music medal, IB medallion, and cords for her Seal of Biliteracy, Krakens, and National Merit. Well-done!
Graduation was held at the giant Huntsman Center at the U of U campus. West, East, and Highland High graduations were all on the same day, so it was a zoo! Still, we got to see Brooklyn on the jumbo-tron, singing with A Capella.
Here's her bestie Lily signing the national anthem with ASL club.
So many graduates! Around 600, I think. The commencement speakers were fantastic. I loved the diversity! Not just the valedictorian headed to an ivy league school (although West has plentyof ivy leaguers), but first generation grads who shared feelings in Spanish or their prior experiences as a refugee.
Since Brooklyn sang in the choir, she was one of the first to receive her diploma. Congratulations! It's extra special when you really know your principal. Here's Brooklyn with Dr. Jared Wright.
Our Buttermilk had a great cheering section: Grandma Susie, Grandpa Charles, Papa Kay, NomiAnn, Aunt Callie, Uncle Adam, Anders, Eila, parents, and siblings (minus Talia, who was in Europe.) So happy for you Brooklyn!
Papa Kay is a little sleepy. His somnolence was well-earned after driving from Nebraska.
Meeting our recent grad outside the Huntsman Center. She's glowing!
Brooklyn and her first (and former) boyfriend Arthur. Glad they are still friends.
A few pictures with her Grandma Susie. The giant cutout of the boy's face behind her is pretty hilarious.
Forever family. Good thing you can't take too many pictures of graduation!
Still Daddy's little girl He knows how to make her laugh!
Brooklyn and Lily--peas in a pod!
Looking back on the graduation madness.
Back at home, we had a fun graduation party for family and a few neighbors. Brooklyn's request was barbecued burgers and root beer floats. Great choice!
Anders and Violet had so much fun on the tramp. I think Anders liked not being the littlest guy.
Cousins are the bestest!
Time to enjoy the food! Between NomiAnn, Grandma Susie, and Aunt Callie we enjoyed a feast!
The cake says it all.
Brooklyn and a couple older friends, Jane and Whitney.
Wrapping up with a bit of unwrapping. Every new grad needs Krakens Legos! And cool shades.
Talia, we thought of you! We framed this photo just in your honor. Also, we all LOVE the picture you painted for Brooklyn.
Happy graduation Brooklyn! Always a West High Panther and now a proud BYU Cougar.
1 comment:
All my best to you Buttermilk! You have flourished in high school and I have high confidence that you will do very well in college. Keep Smiling! Remember Who You Are! Stay in Touch!
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