If I’m behind honest, I have been looking forward to this senior class being seniors for a long time. First and foremost, they were my last freshmen class as a teacher. It was a special class with a lot of personalities, involvement, and talent, and perhaps one of the most dedicated classes I ever taught, as evidence by their continued participation and heart after a lot of transitions these last few years.  They were also our youngest munckins when we did Wizard of Oz my second year teaching, making them the students that I knew for the very longest out of any I taught.

This senior girl epitomizes everything I said about this class.  I instantly adored her as a child (she was one of my sweet munchkins in Wizard of Oz!), and she was a complete doll then. But we had no clue, with them so little, how they would grow up. When I got her in my classroom, I knew immediately that she would be a huge part of my program and my life.  She has so much heart and spirit, and works harder than honestly I believe any student I have ever taught or directed.  And the funny part is, as with all of my students who have fit into that category, she probably needed the extra work the least.

Teen Angel (an amazing glittery female version) in Grease her freshmen year, Fiona in Shrek her sophomore year, and my Elle Woods in Legally Blonde her junior year, she is an absolute force to be reckoned with on the stage.  She earned each of those lead roles, even at young ages, among plenty of extremely talented competition, but she is just the complete package.  I deeply wish I was going to direct her again this year because I know she will be absolutely amazing, and am so sad that I will not have that opportunity.

Grace, this needs to go straight to your heart, my dear. You are incredibly special. I know it hasn’t all been easy (though I think this year has started very well for you, sweet homecoming queen!!), and I don’t think you have always been treated fairly.  But I want you to know that I am crying in my office as I write this because you mean so much to me and I am SO proud of you and the young woman you have become! I worked with few students with your determination, poise, and grit in my 10 years directing and teaching, and even fewer with your heart.  I cannot wait to see what is next in your life, because I know it is going to be absolutely fabulous.  Fight for your dreams and keep working as hard as you do– and make sure to enjoy every step along the way. I love you and am so honored to have been your teacher and director!!

Oh– and did I mention she is an absolute beauty?? These are some of my favorite senior pictures ever.  Here she is!
Grace and her littlest brother on the right!!! Grace’s sweet long term boyfriend Alex, another senior of mine whom I absolutely adored, joined in for a few shots– this is one of my favorite part of senior sessions! Capturing them with those they love!! An all time favorite here!! Such a beauty!
Yet another senior session where I didn’t quite get hair or makeup done beforehand…but I would never let that stop me from grabbing a quick picture with this girl (and my little boy ????)!  Grace I just adore you and hope you love these favorites– full gallery coming soon!