The Great Big Day

 Kindergarten graduation one day - 

 High school graduation the next. 

That's really what it feels like!

 And away she goes ...

Full report and more pictures to come. It was a wonderful day, just still trying to wrap our heads around it ...

Catch Her If You Can - May Edition

May kicked off with a beautiful and very special event - Reach for the Stars, the annual gala that honors the Senior Class and raises funds for the Ann Richards School Foundation. It was our first time to attend, and we left as inspired and grateful as always. Special guest Holland Taylor gave a wonderful rah-rah speech and was gracious enough to take a picture with Georgia and Ivy. Such a great night!

The next day was the WEST Austin Studio Tour, and Ann Richards was one of the stops, so guess who made this cool poster?

Speaking of art, Georgia has thoroughly enjoyed her tenure with the Contemporary Austin's Teen Council. Both the Contemporary and Laguna Gloria are amazing sites, and she's made some good friends and even caught a glimpse of a possible career path. She likes the idea of bringing art to anyone and everyone, especially people who might not normally have the opportunity to experience or create it, so we'll see ...

The annual Ann Richards Awards Night brought more awards for our Star Student: Trustees' Award, Academic Excellence, and AP Scholar with Distinction. Boom!

She was also able to add her star to the wall of the Media Tech room - including a note about her most infamous moment as a filmmaker ...   

 

Schoolmates just a bit longer ...

Last day in the plaid skirt.

Not to be outdone, Ivy has been pretty busy this month, too - especially since she's closing out her middle school experience and looking ahead to (gulp) high school! The most special event to celebrate that transition is the Eighth Grade Cotillion. Trevor escorted her, and she afterwards, she danced the night away with her sweet friends.

Friday was "Blue Shirt Day," when 8th graders can wear the high school blue shirt for the day, and they also found out what their high school pathway will be. Looks like we have another Media Technologist in the house!

Friday was also the Senior Breakfast and and a special pep rally where they each announced their chosen school. Some did it with a bit more flair than others. Ahem.

The Quote of the Decade came at the breakfast, courtesy of the Senior Class President, Julie A.. I think it should be painted on the side of the building!

"So next year, when people tell you that you talk to loud or that you answer all the questions, you say, 'Yes I do. Because I went to the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders.'"

It's fitting that Georgia's last official act as an ARS student was to share her portrait of Ivy in the Senior Art Show. As she left the art room for the last time, she gave the door a little pat. So many wonderful memories in that space and in that school. It's hard to believe that the past seven years have flown by, let alone the past 18. But here we are.

She graduates tomorrow.

Catch Her If You Can

Whew! We knew that Georgia's Senior Year would be full of special events and milestones, but wow! Add in Ivy's end-of-year celebrations, too, and the calendar was double- and triple-booked quite a bit over the last two months. We have enjoyed every moment - with the biggest one yet to come - and we want to play a little catch-up and share these pictures with our dear Friends of Georgia. So in this post, we proudly present: April!

It's pretty clear how much swimming has meant to Georgia - and us - over the past four years. Each year, she has improved and enjoyed herself more than the one before. But serving as the captain and with the team having grown to 17 swimmers this year, this has been the best one yet. They are a close-knit group, they work hard, and they manage to have a lot of fun, too. In the end, Georgia earned several awards: Academic All-District; All-District, 2nd Team for 4x100 Free Relay and All-District, Honorable Mention for 200 Medley Relay.

Say it with me now, "Just Keep Swimming ..." 

Regional 4x100 Free Relay Team and Senior Alternates 

Coach of the Century

Senior Goofballs

2017-18 Ann Richards Starfish!

Fresh off of our trip to Washington, D.C. and Boston, Georgia scooted back into town just in time for Prom! The dress she chose was actually something I bought at a vintage store in 1990, and she looked beautiful. Last year was silver, this year was gold, and both years were full of fun with her sweet friends.

We closed out the month with the Celebration of the Century, literally - our GG turned 100! We had a great party with family and friends, and the Birthday Girl inspired and entertained us all. On to the next 100 - and we'll be back soon with more from May.

PROGRESS!

 Today looked like THIS!

The STAR Act - the most comprehensive childhood cancer bill ever introduced - passed the House! Thanks to the tireless efforts of so many advocates, allies, and families, we're one step closer to ALL kids diagnosed with cancer surviving and thriving. Next stop - Appropriations! 
 
Georgia and I had an incredible visit to Washington, D.C. last month with the 46 Mommas, and it's so exciting to see the impact we had on today's vote. It's been a long time coming, and we're thrilled to have had the opportunity to get this landmark legislation over the line. And in typical Georgia fashion, she impressed everyone we spoke with on the Hill and did a stellar job on the interview from before and after the event:

 You can still help make a difference for kids fighting cancer 

by donating to the latest and greatest research HERE. 

Thank you, Friends of Georgia, for your continued support!