2016 Summer Road Trip

What started as a short trip to Tallahassee for Freshman Orientation quickly turned into an amazing week-long family road trip. Mackenzie and I spent two full days at Florida State University. We saw her future dorm, Bryan Hall.



We ate at her dining hall (Suwanee) and attended continuous breakout sessions chock full of information.



By the end of day two she was still all smiles but I was on information overload!



After orientation we headed to Waleska to visit Grandpa and Nana.



We were able to rest and relax on their dock prior to heading out on our next adventure.



Grandpa had trained his fish prior to our arrival, they knew exactly when to expect feeding time.



We then left Waleska and headed to Mineral Bluff in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our kids experienced their first stay in a Bed and Breakfast. That was an adventure in itself. Typically B&B's don't have five large dogs, feral cats and serve mimosa's straight up at breakfast (still laughing at that one).



The kids also visited their first orchard (Mercier).



As a family, we went ziplining for the first time. To relax we tubed down the Toccoa River.







We hiked to numerous waterfalls. Driving to a couple of them was quite a scary undertaking.



We had a few of the waterfalls completely to ourselves.



We were able to swim in the waterfalls, another first for our kids.



Mason's only request on this road trip was that we stop in Ginnie Springs on our way home. He wanted to use his GoPro in the clear spring water and video tape the underwater caves.









We all got into the action including a selfie by Mack.








A big shout out to Darin for all his hours behind the wheel. It was a road trip that we won't soon forget!

The Graduate

In what seemed like a blink of an eye, she walked in

Graduates are filing in! @GCSharks #CCPSGrads pic.twitter.com/IMCex4JJaO

— 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.

Senior Year Status Update

Senior Prom

Band Awards

(senior class of percussionists)

Senior Academic Awards

(Mack was honored as an AP Scholar for receiving scores of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP Exams) 

(National Honor Society)

National College Decision Day

Annual Seminole Send-off

(hosted by the Alumni Tribe of Naples)                                                 

(104 seniors from Naples will be heading to FSU in the Fall)

Prism 2015

Mackenzie participated in her final Prism concert this weekend. First she took a quick pic with her percussion director of four years, Mr. Gomez.



A new addition to this year's Prism experience was a farewell by the Senior class. Representatives from the senior class spoke about their freshman, sophomore, junior and senior years. The seniors also played a song from each of their past halftime shows. It was an awesome walk down memory lane. Below is a short snip-it of the farewell.

@collierschools @GCSharks #ccpsproud GCHS Prism Concert pic.twitter.com/ApbvbeU5t1

— PellechiaFamily (@FamilyPellechia) December 11, 2015

The drumline is always the final act before the grand finale.

Neon power! @GCSharks Prism concert. #ccps proud #drumsinthedark pic.twitter.com/MgnITpuop3

— Collier Schools (@collierschools) December 11, 2015

The Grand Finale is always truly amazing.



Next post: the Macy's Parade - better late than never

8th Grade Band Night

This past Friday night was a momentous evening at Gulf Coast. For Mackenzie, it was her last time to perform on the field. For Mason, it was his first chance to experience high school band. Mackenzie's evening ended on an emotional note as the seniors gathered on the field after the game to reminisce about their last four years. On the other hand, Mason had a blast and cannot wait for his freshman year when he can become a marching Shark. Mason got rather emotional as well during the National Anthem. He said it was very touching to look in the stands and see so may people with their hats off and hands over their hearts.

Two Homecomings

Last month we celebrated not only one but two homecomings on the same weekend. Mackenzie attended her senior homecoming dance with her close group of friends.







Unfortunately, we had to bid Mackenzie farewell prior to her dance in order to attend the Kiefhaber homecoming in Stuart. My cousin, Shannon, who lives in California came home to have her son, Austin, baptized. We were so honored to be invited for the weekend of festivities.



The proud parents, Andy and Shannon Kiefhaber, along with the Kayla the Godmother.



Does this church look familiar? It is the same church that Andy and Shannon were married in five years ago.



After the baptism, we celebrated my Aunt Sharon's 60th birthday at a luncheon on the beach.



Jim and Sharon's Godson holding their Grandson.

Senior Band Night

Last night Mackenzie was one of seventy eight seniors who were honored for their service and dedication to the GCHS band. Mackenzie marched on to the field and then joined us on the fifty yard line.



The four of us walked across the field hand-in-hand as the announcer read Mackenzie's high school accomplishments and her plans for college.

 

Along the way Mackenzie was bombarded by her fellow bass players.



Once we reached the home side Mackenzie was given a flower and a huge hug from her percussion instructor, Austin Gomez.



Mackenzie was also honored by her non-band friends as well. We heard her name being called from the student section and then saw a huge pink poster with her name on it.



Once the game started it was back to work for Mack but she was allowed to wear her tiara and sash.





Mackenzie and I both thought we might get a little emotional because it was senior night but we were all smiles. Yes, she will be graduating this year but it's only October and there are so so many more exciting events to look forward to this school year.