Pomp and Circumstance, please.
The International School of Stuttgart, Germany
local high school.
Here comes theHigh School Senior Class of 2024! Seniors ? But I remember 18 years ago and a lot in between in the lives of two of this year's graduates. Both refer to me as their grand-father, though by different names. Cooper is my daughter and son-in-law's son; Ian's mom claims my wife and me as her "second parents". This blog is an unabashed and unapologetic "let me tell you about my grand-children " post.
Both are exceptionally gifted young men with diverse interests and talents. They demonstrated one of their earliest 'talents' by delighting in first birthday cakes:
Throughout their school years each has achieved academic excellence and recognition. Eight of Cooper's 18 years have been spent in Germany by virtue of his dad's profession. Along the way, he has become proficient in the German language and his girl friend insists that most of their conversations are in German. His mom told me that last week he had corrected her German. Just this week, the German government granted him a life-long resident visa.
Living there has provided travel opportunities to visit many places about which I dream. Last year he spent two weeks at Oxford University in an introductory medical school "camp".
Living there has provided travel opportunities to visit many places about which I dream. Last year he spent two weeks at Oxford University in an introductory medical school "camp".
While I face challenges with simple computer functions, Cooper has long been building his own.
This Fall he will enroll in the science program at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. Here are a few pictures from his 18 years:
First haircut
Riding hobby horse that had once been mine
The latter was taken on weekend when I baptized him and his sister
With Cousin Jackson who also graduated this year
Thanksgiving in NC
Recent trip to Athens
Ian graduated Magna Cum Laude. Named a North Carolina Scholar, he was among the top 10% of graduates county-wide. Beyond his academic achievements, he has excelled in other pursuits, including learning to play a banjo, teaching himself to play guitar, learning welding, and most of all being an outstanding baseball player.
Named his conference's Most Valuable Player in his Junior and Senior Years, this year he made All State first team. A few months ago, he signed a commitment to play college ball. Beyond his profession, his dad has a seasonal lawn care service and Ian has long been his valued assistant.
Here are a few glimpses of his 18 years
He and Losko are curious about the visitor
Pitching came early Ian excels as pitcher, catcher and shortstop as well as maintaining a hefty batting average
Pitching came early Ian excels as pitcher, catcher and shortstop as well as maintaining a hefty batting average
Banjo lessons with former Grand Ole Opry performer Stan Brown
Little League World Series
"Congratulations" to them and to the graduates whom you know.
Satchel
Lovely Family, Pinko
ReplyDeleteGreat looking family, I'm sure you are proud of all of them.
ReplyDeleteDid not know that about Dr. Horn! (Annie/Radar)
ReplyDeleteKudos to the Grandfather-Heredity , Love and understanding
ReplyDeleteGuess that acorn really doesn't fall from from that tree...that Grandda tree.
ReplyDeleteI know you are one proud grandpa!!!!
ReplyDeleteWe love you, R2, and are beyond grateful that you have helped guide each of us throughout these years!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful grandsons, important elements in their Granddaddy's legacy.
ReplyDelete