Marcus' graduation

Our Marcus is now a high school graduate!! Instead of professional pictures we opted instead to have our resident photographer - Casey - take the pictures. Here are some of us before we left home. Marcus was fussing that he didn't want to sweat so he is not in his cap and gown. (In his defense, it was 90+ degrees outside, but come on, it's Malaysia! )

We got some single shots, some parent shots and a few family shots. These are taken in our yard. It was kinda funny listening to Mark fuss about Marcus' suit. Luckily they wear the same size and they could pick and choose. Then Mark fussed about how he had to have brown shoes with those pants, and goodness! He couldn't wear a black belt and brown shoes! LOL

Graduation was held at the Renaissance Hotel. Fancy stuff. As each graduate's name was called they came on stage while they read three things chosen by the student to be known. For Marcus they announced "Actor and Director" "Certificate of Distinction in Fine Arts" and "A friend to all." The school changed two of those. Guess which one was Marcus' original. Most kids chose stuff like "IASAS gold medal, Habitat for Humanity build in KKB and Varsity Softball member" It just reminded us how humble our son is, as his list could have also included some hefty accolades, but he didn't feel it was nice share/boast about that to everyone.

This is Marcus and his theater arts teacher, Tim Howe. A few weeks before graduation the Dance and Theater kids have a mock Oscars' (Moscar's) party. They all dress up like the Oscars and awards are presented. The kids vote on who gets what, and a few are directly chosen by the teachers. Marcus got nothing at this, and I was kinda upset. Until I learned that he would have gotten quite a few, but he told Tim NOT to give him anything. He didn't feel it was fair and wanted the other kids to have a chance.

A week or so later the school then has an assembly for the entire school, where the seniors only are presented with awards. This time Marcus didn't have a say in the awards. Tim presented him with the Certificate of Distinction in Fine Arts. After telling a bit about Marcus, what really touched me was when Tim said, most important of all, Marcus was kind, and that above all, was what impressed him and why he deserved this award. Yes, it brought tears to my eyes.

Finally, some pics of Marcus in the robes! On the stairs, making faces.

These are his best buddies this year. Alex Jerinkic (a Serbian) and Chris Link (a German) these are great kids and we have really enjoyed having them over often. They also don't complain when they come over and I have them make dinner! We celebrated Marcus' graduation dinner with them and they all made baked reubens together!

Finally, this is Marcus and his girlfriend, Emma Miller. You might notice, it's not the same girl he went to prom with... Emma wasn't 16 the time prom tickets went on sale, so not only would Marcus not ask her to prom, he would ask her to go steady. After her birthday he asked her out. But he had already asked his friend, Joanna to prom. Luckily he and Joanna had long ago decided to be just friends, and Emma was understanding!

Congratulations Marcus. We are so proud of you!!