Monhegan Madness: Greetings, Graduation, and Goodbyes...

Our last day of the year began on the wharf. A little birdie had told us that a VERY special guest was arriving for Gabe's graduation. So instead of morning meeting we had a nice "morning greeting" at the wharf. I can't even tell you how exciting it was for Wyatt to be here for the last day of school and you know who was that most thrilled? Gabe! It made his graduation day all the more special. Gabe and Wyatt's friendship is very sweet; as Gabe says, "We are BFFs!"

We were very fortunate that Wyatt's name only has five letters! As I passed out the letters to the kids Quinn asked, "What does this spell?" I told him to look at the letters and think about who we came to greet this morning. "Matty?" he asked. Well, I guess if the W is flipped you can't really argue with him. (We will be doing some extra work in spelling next year!)

Who wouldn't want to be greeted like this!?

As the boat approached we couldn't see Wyatt anywhere, just a lot of tourists who was wondering what was going on. And then he appeared...

Boy, have we missed this boy!

Our guidance councelor Jean came as well... bringing with her a little gift for our graduate.

And with that it was like Wyatt had never left. The kids started hugging him, putting him on their shoulders and lugging him around like their pet.

Some sweet brother/sister love on the wharf! We were ALL about love on the last day of school.

Before we knew it was time for graduation. Here the graduate and two of his "BFF's" hang out before commencement.

Some Monhegan School Alumni in the front row for graduation!

First it was time to recognize all each of the students for ALL of their work this year.

To begin, Jorgie, for her courage and strength in being the youngest and only girl student and for her kindness and sweetness.

Then Arlo... A thank you for his creativity and his ability to always be himself. He has grown so much this year!

And Quinn... the helper of the year. He was so kind and such a great role model at school. This was his best year yet!

And Lastly, dependable Dalton... he has such a great work ethic and compassion for others. He is a fantastic student.

Next Dalton made a sweet speech in honor of Gabe. He was funny and thoughtful and endearing.

Next up our 8th grader made a speech thanking everyone for coming and mentioning some of the things he will miss about Monhegan. I pretty much was on the verge of tears, but held it together.

And then it was time for the video. Let me tell you about the video... it was a tribute to Gabe that contained words of wisdom and well wishes from many people from our community. Let me tell you, some of these words of wisdom were pretty priceless such as, "Always keep a good book in your backpack," "take care of your teeth," "don't fry bacon naked," "always be yourself," "if you ever get a house, keep it in your name" and some words in Polish that we are still trying to translate! It made us laugh out loud and cry some pretty sweet tears.

Along with video of community members there was also some footage of Gabe when he was two years old running around on Monhegan and playing with his old pal, Wolfie! There was footage of people giving Gabe advice when he was two years old that were the same people that were sitting in the school house on his graduation day. Now that is what is called community support. What a gift for an eighth grader to know that he has so many people who love and support him. That does not happen in every town.

Then it was time for my speech. Gabe told me I couldn't cry. So when I practice the morning of graduation and sobbed like a little baby. I was pretty nervous, but I have to say I held out pretty well and only teared up at the end.