My High School Heroes...

So last week was high school graduation and I spoke at it which was stressful and frustrating but mostly a little sad. There were some really fun kids and ones that I got attached to, but also ones that Peyton really got attached to. They were goofy, spirited, smart, interesting, and kind young men...not ones that you run into very often any more. Each one will hold a special place in my heart because of how they treated Peyton.... Justin always saw Peyton at church and Peyts would try to get him to come into church. One of the cutest memories I have is that when Peyton went out, he told Justin that he needed to come in and when he did Peyton just lit up...Justin has always said hi and treated Peyton special...

Bob also is one of my favorite, favorite kids ever...Just in case anyone wants to know, he was one of the best if not the best football players I've seen at West Jefferson. He also has a scholarship to Western Montana to play football. He is a modern-day Rudy. He has worked so hard for the last three years. I will miss watching him, but I'll also miss teaching him. What a great student to have in class (most of the time!). He was also so nice and sweet to Peyton. I think that every time Peyton went out to the school, he wanted to see Willy, Bob and Justin. They would just make him feel like the cat's meow. Bob is also Peyton's cousin and he is a good babysitter when I've needed him for a second or two at the high school. I really will miss that kid....He told Peyton to hold up a number 1 finger and that is what I will remember most about Spencer is how he does strive for excellence in all that he does...through hard work and dedication. I hope Peyton will try to be like that when he is older...maybe just more with school work! :-)
Finally Willy who is probably one of the most amazing young men I've had the opportunity to teach. He may not be your straight A student, but this kids knows how to work...and yes he did get an A from me this last trimester because he worked his tail off. This kid has his priorities in line and will be serving a mission soon. He told Peyton in Wendy's after a football game to "Listen to his mom and eat his food!". Even though Peyton has never done this since, he still remembers what Willy said and he is always lifting our table and trying to be as tough as Willy and Bob. They were so kind and were great role models and examples for Peyts. I will miss them next year because there just doesn't seem to be kids who will fill that spot for Peyts...but I know they will always keep in touch and still be very important to Peyton....

At graduation, Peyton even decided he wants to be smart like these boys. It was nice of them to let him feel that way!

What a great group of kids!