Damian's Graduation - Then and Now

So last night it was Damian's Graduation / Prize Giving from his school.  This is the last year that he will be in this school, and from next year he will be in a main-stream school (probably The Settlers' High School, but I'm not 100% sure yet).  It was a very emotional evening, as this group of Grade 9s has been together for many years, and they're all leaving and going their separate ways.  Damian himself has been in this school since 2006.  This school has been absolutely fantastic for him, and helped shape him into the WONDERFUL young man he is today.  I also absolutely adore his entire group of friends - they are wonderful young men themselves, each and every one of them.

The prizes they handed out were very cute, funny, and particular to each child.  They handed out prizes like "Most Improved in Afrikaans" for example.  For each prize, the parents clapped.  But when Damian's prize came, the entire audience went "Awwwww".  He got The Good Heart Award.

Then they started handing out "Mr..." prizes, as jokes, and I honestly thought Damian would get Mr Chatterbox, Mr Daydreamer, and possibly Mr Query (for asking all sorts of strange questions).  Instead, he got Mr Happy.

What a wonderful legacy he's left at the school - a happy, healthy, good-hearted young man.  I am so proud of him.

I went through my albums and found his Graduation pictures from 2002, just to see the difference between then and now:

Then:

Damian receiving his award from the principal, 2002.

Now:

Damian receiving his award from the principal, 2012.

What a beautiful young man I have.  I am so proud of him.