Hannah wins a leadership award!

Guest post from Sandi. As you all know Hannah is graduating Middle School this Friday. She has had the time of you life and is so sad to see these treasured years come to an end. However, she is very excited about what awaits her in High School. This past weekend we received a letter in the mail from her school requesting our presence at the graduation awards assembly (last night). It stated that your child would be receiving an award and gave you a list of possible awards but didn't tell you what they were actually getting. For someone like me who is an EXTRME planner - it was more than a bit annoying to say the least :) In the end however, going into this blind, wondering, waiting with the excitement building as each award is given to these wonderful kids was better than going in knowing the outcome! Ha ha - note to self :) Now to back up just a bit I have to tell you all that the most impactful, meaningful and most treasured experience for Hannah in Middle School has been probably been her 8th grade year in an elective class she took called "Leadership" She has made some amazing friendship, learned what it truly means to "lead" through good times and bad and has had a special opportunity to see and be apart of the inter-workings of the school, staff and teachers. One person in particular - her leadership teacher Mrs. Lockhardt. Mrs. Lockhardt is a gifted teacher who loves the kids, believes in them, treasures them, supports them, defends them and is a powerful and shinning example everyday of how to be involved, supportive, upbeat and a true leader. Before presenting Hannah with the school "leadership" award for this year this is the speech she gave. It brought Christopher and I both to tears! "This person has grown an immense amount from being too timid to speak up at the beginning of the year to standing up for others and herself today even in tough peer situations. She brings ideas to share to the class, but is also able to listen to the input of others. She has encouraged school spirit through initiating new holiday activities, appreciation projects and new character building actives for our school this year. She is strong, dedicated and a joy to work with. She approaches life and all projects with passion and enthusiasm. She supports each class member by her positive energy, high expectations of what they can accomplish as a team and her wonderful sense of humor. She has been a positive influence and contributed to the growth, development and vitality of our leadership class. She has grown to be a strong leader in and outside of the class. She is a person of honest character that holds high standards for herself, as well as anyone who works with her, including me :) She is approachable, totally dependable and a person who gets things done. In recognition of your tremendous effort, spirit, unending dedication and supportive leadership….it is with great honor and pleasure that I present this award tonight to Hannah Payne!!!" I'm sure it goes without saying how proud, happy and honored we are that Hannah is our daughter - however, if its not…please allow me to say "we think Hannah is extraordinary - she is strong, confident, smart and completely in touch with who she is as a person!" I've said for years "I want to be like Hannah when I finally grow up" Thanks so much for allowing me to share this moment with you all.