Graduations 2014

Dennis and I were honored to be invited to two graduation ceremonies.  One, of course, was for Buena Vista Government School Class of 2014.  The other one was for a young man named Noel Pineda.  He graduated from Global Outreach Vo-Tech School in Roaring Creek.

Almost all the girls from Standard Six who graduated.

This is not a high school graduation.  This is Standard Six which is our age equivalent to 8th grade.  From here on out they are considered adults and will either go to high school, which costs a lot of money, or they will look for work.  I think the average age is 13 or 14.

This is Abner, the highest ranking student in the class.

Buena Vista Government Schol Class of 2014

        Certificates of Appreciation

Yoni and I.
Very proud of him!

Campos Sisters
That's Loren in the pink.

All graduations have a meal served.

Having fun with some of the girls.

There are two young men from Buena Vista who graduated from Global Outreach.  Noel and Guidman.  They started out in a class of 35 and only eight of them made it all the way to the end.  Global is very focused on the young man's identity in Christ and then they train them in a trade.  Both of these guys took auto mechanics and both are going on to the "Tech" School in San Ignacio.  And both are taking electrical classes.  Dennis has already talked to them and offered his assisstance in their schooling.  They both seemed pleased to hear that he is around.  Isn't it amazing how God brings people together!

Noel 

                                         

Guidman and family.  The girl is Renelly, she is one of our visitors at the house.

So the 2013-14 school year is done and we are already talking about next year.  These are the teachers from Buena Vista.  Mr. Mefi is in the blue in front, he is always trying to get me to speak Spanish with him.  I think by the end of the year we managed a very short conversation.  Mrs. Blanco is behind him, she is our brave Infant I teacher.  She gets all the little ones who don't speak English and have never been in a structured environment.  Mr. Jimmy is next, he is in Standard 4, then is Miss. Melody from Standard 1. 

Mr. Uck is in back, from Standard 2.  He is a fun guy and enjoys chatting with Dennis a lot.  In the middle is Miss. Evette, she got to go to Colorado this year with Mrs. Betty.  They went to study reading methods and SRA at a school there.  It was their first time in the snow.  Mrs. Jizelle is in the purple from Standard 3, she is getting married this summer.  And then finally we have Mrs. Betty.  She is my hero.  I watched her handle some extreme scenarios this last year that most principals would never have to consider.  Mrs. Betty handles herself with dignity and she has my utmost respect.
                                   

Last day of school!

Making all kinds of plans for the two months of summer.  Already have some days scheduled to work in homes with students and parents who need help with reading and speaking English.  Very excited!!

Love you guys!