For the Class of 2020, it was quite the year. No proms, no banquets, no parties, no end of year celebrations... not even any "last day of school" goodbye moments. While I obviously couldn't offer this to every 2020 senior, I did offer to take some cap & gown photos for my seniors that had used me that year. Renee was one of my senior Wildflower model team members. I totally think it was fate that we met via my friend and Mac Tabby's owner Lori for her 16th birthday. It turned into Renee becoming one of my model team members, along with a couple of her BFFs. While past model teams helped set me on the whole trajectory of specializing in seniors, my team from 2018-2020 will always have a special place in my heart. They're the ones that sat around my kitchen table playing games and eating pizza. They played with my kids, gave "Brad dad" a nickname, chatted about whatever, and just overall had a good time. They told their friends about me and believed in me enough to want to watch me succeed at this. So given all that, you'll understand why I get a little sappy and nostalgic as I showed up for their cap & gown sessions.
Not only did I get to know these amazing girls, I got to know their families. For Renee's cap & gown session, her mom, dad, and sister tagged along for some family graduation photos. I've always been so in awe at how cool Renee's parents are. They've always been so kind and the type you could chat for hours with. I'm truly going to miss them too. And I can't believe that after these last few years, this was the first time I got to meet her sister Kat! These are the reasons I'm glad social media exists. It's basically the only reason I don't quit it all. Lol.
While most high schools didn't get to have a real graduation ceremony, thanks to the pandemic, Cannon School did a great job of giving these kids some sort of celebration. Socially distanced, cool cars, and an actual hand off of a diploma. Since only immediate family were able to come, we scheduled a separate time to come back later that day and grab some cap & gown photos. During graduation, they all rode in Renee's dad's awesome wagon, so we made sure to get that documented. ;)
The ending to the Class of 2020's high school career and the beginning of their college years might be some of the most challenging times they face. But in this, I hope they learn how to be flexible, see the good in life, and most importantly BE the good in life. Is all of this kind of the worst? Absolutely. But it's also going to make these kids-turned-grown-ups into amazing, empathetic, caring humans. I'm so thankful that, even if just for a short blip, I got to be a part of their story. Take NC State by storm, sweet Renee! You're intelligent, articulate, and kind. Keep that heart of yours and life will have nothing but the best waiting for you.
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