— Collier Schools (@collierschools) June 3, 2016
waved "hi" to us,
walked across the stage and then back to her seat with diploma in hand.
I kid, with 518 graduates it wasn't exactly a short ceremony. Mackenzie has been telling us for four years that her graduating class is the most academically competitive class in the history of Gulf Coast. She wasn't joking with over 250 students graduating with a 4.0 or higher GPA. Mackenzie graduated with highest honors (Summa Cum Laude) and was given a braided cord. She also wore a National Honor Society stole. Those graduating with highest honors are seated in the front and called to the stage first which was a special treat for anxious parents like us.
More than 250 students graduating with over a 4.0 GPA @GCSharks #CCPSGrads pic.twitter.com/Rmq219awTh— Collier Schools (@collierschools) June 3, 2016
The ceremony was held at Alico Arena on the FGCU campus and we could have stayed afterward to take pictures and congratulate all of Mackenzie's friends but unfortunately a nasty afternoon storm quickly rolled in. We had to seek cover immediately but we did find some humor in the dirt-devils forming around our car.
We drove back to Naples were we celebrated as a family at The Capital Grill. Congratulations, Mack! We are so proud of you and of all your hard work these past thirteen years. Many thanks to the faculty and staff at Poinciana Elementary, North Naples Middle and Gulf Coast High for being a part of her success.
