Pre School Valedictorian?

Seriously?!?!

In the elevator this morning at work a couple of folks were talking about their kid's graduation ceremonies. I assumed high school or college ... nuh uh.

Elementary school. Which is where one of my coworkers is right now - her son's elementary school graduation.

But that isn't as bad as what one of the folks in the elevator told me. There are pre-schools who have these ceremonies (robes, hats, and all) and they have a valedictorian!!! In PRE-SCHOOL!!!

Really? Is that really necessary?

Plus I think having all these graduation ceremonies is dumb. To my mind it makes the graduation ceremonies that really matter mean less. High school graduation ceremony? Big deal if you've already had 4 ceremonies in your life. Pre-School, Kindergarten, Elementary School, Middle School ... who cares about yet another ceremony?

Not to mention the money it must cost these parents to buy all these robes and hats and the time off of work. It seems ridiculous to me.

However...there is an exception in my heart for a special young man who graduated from kindergarten this year.


For him it's more important and special than for the average kid. A few years ago, one week before Christmas, Cole was diagnosed with Leukemia. :( He was only 3 1/2 years old. In February 2009 he will complete his treatment and five years after that he will be considered cured. This year he is the South Sound Light the Night Walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's honored hero!!!! Way to go Cole!!!

His mother is the strongest woman I know. They've had so many stumbles since his diagnosis that we at work would just shake our head in amazement - how can anything else go wrong? Going through this with her little boy while still working and doing her amazing scrap-booking and card work. She's an inspiration (not to mention extremely talented!). I want to be like her when I grow up!!!

Cole deserves to graduate in a special ceremony every single year because each year is a gift. Please consider donating or participating in your local Light the Night Walk for Leukemia & Lymphoma. No mother should have to watch her son go through what Cole has.