Jenner Graduation

The girls that I mentor, Resha and Brittany, go to Jenner Academy of the Arts, it's an elementary school right in the middle of Cabrini. Last year a nearby school closed and 2 rival gang territories were combined into one middle school. This has caused some major problems over the course of the year but, the school has come together and today was 8th grade graduation!

Graduation took place at 10am this morning, and started roughly 30 minutes late. This is pretty normal, so we'll call this the most expected part of the day. Every other aspect of graduation was different from anything I've ever seen, but very entertaining! It started with the kids walking up on stage introducing themselves and giving some advice for success. It was great to hear their perspective and inspiration. The key note speaker, was one of the best motivational "pull yourself up by your bootstrap" speakers I've heard in a long time. Oh, and there was singing and clapping, of course!!! But my favorite part, Resha was 5th in her class!!! If I'm this proud of her and she isn't my kid I can only imagine what it's like to be a parent! Unfortunately Brittany had some choice words for her teacher and couldn't come...this truly is a ministry of ups and downs!

I've added a video of one of their songs, I think this one is Man in the Mirror...enjoy!