Writing the Book on Thrivership

Hello, Friends of Georgia! We are happy to report that our girl is home after a fantastic first year at Tufts! From the get-go, she knew she had found her place and her people, and the year went by quickly (yay!) and was full of positive experiences and wonderful new friends. We're so proud of Georgia not only for her academic and artistic achievements, but also for the way she embraced the adventure and enjoyed herself. As one of her Ann Richards teachers said on a recent visit, "College suits you, Georgia." So nice!

Roll 'Bos! (Go Jumbos!)

Dorm Room Deco

School of the Museum of Fine Arts

She has a radio show! "Granola Girls" with bestie, Sarah, on  91.5 WMFO!

So glad to have her HOME for Christmas!

Yep, there was snow. And she loved it.

Working on a video project.

Packing up to come home ...

after we watched the Red Sox WIN at Fenway!!

All this to say again, it was a great school year! In other exciting news, in January, Georgia was named the 2019 League Champion for the St. Baldrick's League of Legendary Heroes AND in July, she will be recognized as a Knight of the Bald Table for her seven years of volunteer service! She continues to choose to advocate for other kids still in the fight against cancer, so she will join me again at the 46 Mommas event in Washington, DC to meet with our representatives, share her story, and ask for increased research funding for safer, less-toxic treatments and cures for all childhood cancers. She really is a superhero! 

This month, in particular, you, too, can be a superhero for kids fighting cancer by donating to Georgia's fundraising page for the DC event in July. With your help, we have raised over $160,000 for the St. Baldrick's Foundation through our Hero Fund, and we are so, so grateful for your continued support. Together, we are truly moving mountains!

Happy Summer, friends, and thank you for keeping our precious, brave, amazing girl on your mind and in your heart. 

Hey, Nineteen

Hello - and Happy New Year! We've got a lot to catch up on from the last six(!) months, but we can report that all is very, very well in Georgia's World, and we couldn't be happier or more proud of her. We've taken a break from regular blogging, but we couldn't let the year close without marking the two biggest days in the Month of Georgia. So, say hello to the newly-minted 19-year-old in the house:

     College life at Tufts very much agrees with her, and we are loving having her home this month.

And as happens every year since 2009, Georgia's birthday is immediately followed by the anniversary of her diagnosis. Nine years ago today, we headed into 2010 not knowing what the next few hours would look like, let alone the next 28 months of treatment. We are lucky and grateful that Georgia not only survived cancer but has thrived every day since, and we desperately want that for every child diagnosed with cancer.

We have big plans for the next year with the St. Baldrick's Foundation, and we hope you’ll continue to join us in helping to end childhood cancer for good. For today, though, we’ll celebrate with the annual viewing of the Lord of the Rings trilogy like the nerds we are. We wish everyone a Happy, Healthy New Year with much love, joy, and adventure, and we'll get caught up with all the news in 2019!

         All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. ~ Gandalf the Grey

The Graduate

It might have been two weeks ago, but we're still soaking it all in! Georgia's graduation was special for many reasons, not the least of which is she's been able to share this life-changing experience with a class full of incredible hearts and minds. They have formed bonds that will carry them through wherever life takes them, and we will be forever proud and grateful. We're also grateful for the support from all of you! Georgia's journey, in and out of the classroom, would not have been the same without your constant love and encouragement, and we can't say thank you enough! Happy Summer, friends! 

The bright and beautiful Class of 2018!

Waiting backstage ...

Senior Art Students - so talented!

Our Shining Star!

She's ready ...

Receiving the Honors Award for English - it was a surprise!

Some of the other Honor Award recipients.

The Big Moment!!!

They may be small, but they are MIGHTY!

We owe so many thanks to the amazing Ms. Goka for her leadership and enthusiasm for the Ann Richards School and her genuine love for every Star that walks through those doors. She has earned her retirement, but we miss her daily presence!

Her last trip to school, to pick up her diploma ... sniff.

Finally, not exactly the distinction we wanted her to "win," but Tufts really is the perfect choice for her. Onward to Boston!!!

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.