It pours. And it is, pouring, right now. Rainy season is upon us here in the tropics, as well as graduation season. Many years ago I suppose we figured out that this time would come when Hannah would be graduating from some as-yet-undetermined college and Micah from a similar high school. And even though we have had all these years to prepare ourselves, still, it is impossible to foresee anything until it is staring you in the face. I am fairly certain we never imagined that Micah would be graduating from Country Day School in Costa Rica.
But he has. With honors. Perhaps even as valedictorian of his class but the school has been unable to calculate that particular honor, math apparently not being their strong subject, being that the director hit the stage carrying only 7 diplomas to the commencement for 8. Woops. And this one short week after we witnessed Georgetown successfully distribute diplomas to over 6000. (Okay, it is true, however, that GU also distributed over 6000 commencement books to the proud participants on which the cover boldly proclaimed 2011 in gold lettering accompanied by three words - Commencement, Georgetown, and UniverISty. And this in their 222nd year of producing commencement books. I believe they may be hiring a new copy editor if you can handle the pressure.)
Out here on the playa we are CDS-G, as in the Guanacaste branch of our American school in paradise. The original campus is in San Jose and they appear to have the same math affliction as Friday's Tico Times sported a shining photo and listed no less than 78 colleges and univerSIties that their graduating class of 40 will be attending next year. Pura Vida.
We had a lovely graduation night on Thursday last with speeches by each graduate and flowers for each proud Mom. Micah distinguished himself by winning one of the school's two special awards - The Ann Wellnhofer Science Award. Ms. Wellnhofer was the first science teacher at the school some 11 years ago when it opened but it seems she was subsequently fired for being out-spoken. I am assuming he was chosen for his science ability only. Tough shoes to fill, perhaps. Thank you Anne, wherever you are.
And so our year here in paradise is coming rapidly to a close. We came with the intention of allowing Micah to graduate with his amigos. Check. Hats off to Micah. We are very proud of you.
K3
I am the Anne Wellnhofer of the CDS-G science award. I am very happy that your son's love of science runs deep; Costa Rica is a pretty inspiring place!
ReplyDeleteThe development of tales through time is always interesting. I am not sure where a story of me being fired may have originated; I completed my contract, worked my tail off to help get the school off the ground, and was offered promotions which almost enticed me to stay longer. I left on the best of terms, my decision to leave rooted in my desire to start a family in Canada rather than Costa Rica (we really do have a maternity leave that can't be beat!). I still teach science and have three kids.
I wish you well and hope that Micah's love of science continues.
Anne
Thank you, Anne, for finding this blog and clearing up your good name! And for working your tail off for CDSG and inspiring this award. Congratulations on your family and for choosing a country that seems to have its family priorities straight. Micah is an engineering major at Trinity U, so far, so good. Namaste.
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