We recently threw a graduation party for a very deserving high school graduate named Blake. In the Fall, Blake will start his first semester at Illinois State University studying to be a Special Education Teacher. Over 100 people stopped by to wish Blake congratulations!
We set up tables outside and served a delicious spread of food catered by One World Cafe. For the centerpieces we used pomander balls make of white carnations. They look like pom poms! We then added Blake's varsity letters from tennis and basketball and pictures of him throughout high school.
Guests enjoyed various flavors of lemonade. Sodas and waters were also available.
We gave Blake a "Sweet Sendoff" to college with a candy and dessert bar. We had all of his favorites in his high school's colors: red and white. There were Hot Tamales, M&M's, Swedish Fish, Peppermints, Red Hots, Cake Pops, Red Vines, and Smarties (for the "smartie" who graduated with honors).
We also had red and white popcorn bags filled with white chocolate popcorn.
A family friend made cupcakes and cake for Blake's party. She even made a birthday cake for his 19th birthday, which was the day after the party!
Blake and his dad made these custom bag games for the party. The "home team" was Illinois State University and the "visitors" were Bradley University, Illinois State's rival.
Congratulations, Blake! We hope you have an amazing year at ISU and cannot wait to see what the future has in store for you!
{ jacqueline, rissa, traci & tara }
Blake, Blake, Blake! He's our man. If he can't do it, no one can!
I'm so proud whenever I learn about one of our fellow species achieving greatness by taking the next step in his or her life. And, in this case, Blake has lemonade to celebrate the achievement. I can't think of what would be better.
Lemonade is a celebratory underdog, not used nearly enough for these types of occasions. You have pink lemonade, yellow lemonade, strawberry lemonade, pomegranate lemonade. It's lemonade du jour.
At the end of this glorious day that you girls provided, I have a strong mental image of Blake kicking back on a wooden white chair in the midwest sun and enjoying a delicious lemonade. Save one for Carlos, fella. I'm coming (and prefer the strawberry).
Another great story from you girls. Until next Monday, love and love and olive branches!
Posted by: Carlos Pico | June 14, 2010 at 11:05 AM