Photos by Mariah

Dasher

Annie

Visitor

Really Cool

More Drew news...

2013-2014 Student Leadership Announced

The student leadership for the 2013-14 school year has been announced. Congratulations to those who will serve the school and thanks to all who ran for office.

Student Council Officers

Class of 2014
Olivia Capel (Senior Class/Student Council President) -- pictured
Dana Bishop
Drew Daffron

Thank you to all who have served.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Sweetness

Sleeping beauties. 

Arriving home from the beach and literally exhausted Mariah found one of her favorite spots. She had a wonderful time at the beach and seemed to enjoy telling us many stories. I am thinking she will sleep late but we shall see. Tomorrow brings more school work as we finish a project on her charity Ukrainian Angles. This weekend is going by to quickly.

The Finish Line..

My note to Drew

Dear  Drew,

I looked at an email that was addresses to Drew tonight and it read Dear Seniors. I froze and had to catch my breath. As I write this email I have a few tear of sadness and joy. How did this time get here so quickly. I remember like it was yesterday you were a 1st grader  at Duke School and the teachers Madeline and  Terri said they were so concerned about your academic strengths and how you were really weak and they just didn't know how to proceed. Look at you now Drew you are finishing your junior year  this week  having completed AP English with a great grade and so much confidence.

I know I said to you earlier that you are making a wonderful path for your Senior year and the journey looks to be so strenuous, exciting, educational and exhausting. If there is one thing I have learned about you Drew it is that you are so hardworking and determined that you will do amazing things. I think that the let down of counselor has brought so many great opportunities that fit your personality and will help you with your growth as a leader and the school goal and vision of  taking the student toward full stature.

 I wanted to let Brian know that since we have spoken you have received the school award for Spanish and most improved in Baseball. You produced a video of the senior class that was watched by the entire VES community that was highly complimented and loved by many. 

You have been selected to Student Council--Manager of VES Varsity Basketball Team, VES Ambassador--VES Big Brother--VES Student Development Committee (only senior invited)--This does not include all of your academic courses and your independent study VP course.

I feel like we have to make major progress  with the college search--college application. The ACT is coming up and our college tour with Ofek.

I know that there is more that I should include but for tonight, Good luck on your exams...finish strong and know that I am so proud of you.  You are truly amazing and I am honored to be your MOM.

Excited to see you on Wednesday.

Love you much,

Missy

Mariah enjoys the beach......

Mariah Goes To the Beach......

Mariah Celebrating Savvy's Birthday

Congrats Drew Daffron

Mr. and Mrs. Notario with Drew. Teachers that change lives. Very Thankful!

Students Recognized at Awards Assembly

The VES Community came together for an end-of-year Academic and Athletics Awards Assembly on Friday, May 24, 2013. During the assembly, the following Awards were presented:

Academic Awards

Foreign Language
School Spanish Award: George Patterson*
French: Michelle Martin
Spanish: Drew Daffron
Chinese: Nick Peycke
*Normally presented to a senior at Commencement. This year earned by a junior.

Athletics Awards

Baseball
Most Valuable Player: Gus Darden
Most Improved Player: Drew Daffron
Coaches Award: Logen Musselman
Max Meador Award: Wood Britton
Leading Hitter: Gus Darden
Golden Glove: Caleb White

Finals Dance for Drew

Drew and the guys.

Drew with his classmates.

Drew and Tee

School Drama for Mariah..

I have decided to post the dreaded blog I wrote about Mariah getting suspended from school. I have thought long and hard about posting this but have to remind myself that this blog is about the journey and that if I were going to document and write about our life I would try and keep it as real as possible. I have said it many times before and will probably say it many times in the future but honestly there is never a dull moment with Mariah.
 I received the call around 1pm that there had been an incident in the girls bathroom where Mariah had hit a classmate on the head. I was inform that I needed to come to school because she was going to be suspended for "a couple of days". I arrived at school to speak with the principal and she was away at a doctors appointment. I was told that the girl Mariah hit had hit her back and it was reported to Mr.Harrison by a boy who was looking in the girls bathroom.
 I thought to myself really you are suspending her, taking her position of ambassador away and not letting her attend the party for the 5th grade class on the final day of school. WOW this is serious.
 I have always tried to stay supportive of the teachers but I thought this was a bit much. I chose to go along with it. Life lessons are so hard to learn and I guess thats why we call them lessons. Raising this spirited outgoing girl is one of the hardest things I have ever tried to do but I am determined to stay the course and do my best to help make her to be the  best SHE can be.
We increased her medication to help with her impulsivity and I hope to see results soon. She says the new medicine makes her stomach really hurt so we will keep a close check. For all of those friends and family raising out of the box kids my advise is simple .... take it one day at a time and pray often for Gods guidance and patience. I WILL SUCCEED

My NEW ride....

Ready to cruise

FUN FUN FUN

I'm a lucky girl

Mothers Day....

End of School Concert....

Fun times

Mariah and her friend Joey

Baby Shower for Hope

Mariah, Mrs.Fairley and Harmony

Fun to attend the shower for one of Mariah's teachers Ms.Fairley. She is having her 3rd girl in June. She has been such a blessing to Mariah and her 5th grade experience. 

Ball Bang

Drew got hit in the head with a Baseball today.

Dancing with the Carolina Stars

Great Dancing and a Great Cause!

Gymnastics Birthday Party For Mariah

Mariah and Gang

Friends

CupCakes

Goodie Bags

SNAKE SCARE

Copperhead Snake by the sidewalk.

Dead Snake

Ready for the funeral....

ITS MAY AND GRAY HERE IN DURHAM NORTH CAROLINA. MY LITTLE HAPPY DANCER IS DONG A SUNSHINE WAVE IN HOPES THE SUN WILL SHINE SOON. I GUESS THE SAYING APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS IS NOT COMPLETELY TRUE. HERES HOPING WE HAVE LOT OF HAPPINESS IN MAY.