A Snowbird in Paradise

Carrie took a day off from school to celebrate Abby's birthday.  Abby was especially surprised when they were joined by her best friend for lunch and birthday shopping.

 As soon as the girls returned from Florida their school started the mad round of events ending the year and ending the Eighth Grader's time at this school.

 The first event was confirmation of the eighth graders by the bishop.

Then there was a "sports mass" celebrating the spring sports.  Gabby and two friends gave the "gifts" during Mass.

This page explains the All-Night Party

 There was a chance to take a lot of fun pictures with their classmates, for some, of the last 10 years.

Abby went to camp for 3 days and participated in everything offered.  

Next event was the Torch and Ribbon ceremony during the school day.  Abby carried the processional  and recessional cross and served at the altar for her sister's ceremony.

 First the students were given awards they had won over their time at St. Pius...academic, service, and athletic.  Pins were added to their ribbons for each.
 The "torch" of the ceremony referred to the passing of a candle flame from each 8th grader to a 7th grader signaling the passing of the leadership of the school.  Then Gabby was the chosen ribbon-staff carrier and held the MayPole-like staff while her classmates took the ribbons making a very pretty sight. 
 Recitations by some of the students brought a tear to many parents' and grandparents' eyes.

 Students filed past the 8th graders from kindergarteners on up to the parents greeting each student and saying goodbye.  Parents, students and graduating 8th graders were often in tears.  This was the most moving of the days.
Here they are...the 2017 graduating class of St Pius X School.
The last day the 8th graders all wore their class t-shirt, ran down the halls between other students lined up outside their classrooms, and replaced the photo of last year's class with their own where it will hang until next graduation.
 Finally, Graduation Day.  There had to be fancy hair, of course.
 Each student received his or her diploma and posed for family to take photos.