Maggie is heading to college in a few weeks, so it’s time to set aside the denial and write a celebration of her senior year in high school!

Here’s how the year started and ended. A little less hair, but a lot more hardware.

But those are just the bookends. So much happened inbetween!

We had another great experience with Shalem Photography for Maggie’s senior photos. She didn’t want anything special done with her hair, but did decide to wear the tiniest bit of makeup. She walked out of the studio looking like her naturally beautiful self!

We had a lot of fun taking photos near Potter Marsh, which was the same location Sam selected two years ago. As a result their photos complement each other perfectly! We also went to a local equestrian park, where Shalem captured some of our favorite photos.

Maggie’s fall was busy with flag football, a sport that is often played in the rain but somehow still a blast for all the girls. Once again she played on both sides of the ball, and the senior night celebration was a highlight. Clark never missed a game, but he was in Nebraska during senior night and so bummed to miss it. Maggie still had a nice cheering section in the stands!

Maggie continued to be a leader in various clubs throughout her senior year, and they kept her busy nearly every day during lunch. Her high school clubs were HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), YANA (You Are Not Alone, which promotes kindness on campus), and Partner’s Club, which pairs general education and special education students through sports and activities. Partner’s Club was definitely her passion, and once again she took the Polar Plunge in Goose Lake to raise funds for Special Olympics. I’m so proud of her participation and the way she took advantage of all the opportunities available to her.

A highlight of Maggie’s senior year was a mentorship with an ICU nurse at Providence Hospital. She shadowed her mentor for over 60 hours, which fully reinforced her decision to pursue a career in nursing. She saw and learned so much through this experience – we are so grateful our school district offers this program!

Spring brought soccer, which was Maggie’s primary sport throughout high school. It was her fourth year as the varsity goalie, and this final season came with many changes. It was a whole new coaching staff, and the team felt the loss of many key players. She still stuck with it and we are proud of her for the commitment!

She turned 18 late in her senior year. Her birthday was busy: school, a Special Olympics committee meeting, and then a soccer game. Thankfully she carved out a little time for dear old mom and dad; we gathered after the game at O’Brady’s for dinner and darts. Then home for the favorite fudge cupcakes. Bullseye!

Of course the constant during the year was time was spent at the barn in Chugiak, which is definitely her happy place. Work blends with play out there, as sometimes she takes recreational rides but more often than not she’s mucking stalls or giving lessons to children with developmental disabilities. Horses are a first love for this girl, and I’m certain they will always be part of her life.

Prom was one of the last milestones before graduation. She was on prom court, and chose to attend the big event with her Partner’s Club group. They all went to Olive Garden for dinner, and then gathered for photos at the Potter Marsh boardwalk before the dance:

And then… it was time for graduation festivities! There were special gatherings to get her honor cord (where she announced her plans to attend the University of Nebraska-Omaha), Partner’s Club cord, and Medical Academy cord – which was actually a stethoscope. She’s had her eyes on that since freshman year!

Graduation was a mighty special day! Sam made it home from college to attend, and many other family members flew up in the coming days to celebrate as well. May was a busy but wonderful month for our family!

We made a slideshow that looped during her graduation party. It was a fun (and emotional!) stroll down memory lane to put this together!

Next fall will be the first time in 8 (!) years that I don’t have a kid on campus with me, and even though I didn’t see them too often it was nice know they were right there in my orbit. I will miss her something fierce!

It helps to know she’s headed to Nebraska, where the circle of support is plentiful and strong. And I guess it’s only fair that we share this amazing human with all the people back there who love her too!

Our eagle has flown, and now it’s time to cheer for the Mavericks!