Shine Silently: 2016

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Last Day of 4th Grade

The last day of school is exciting for all kids. No more early wake up calls, classwork or homework. Go to sleep late, get up late. Travel, go swimming, go to camp, play with friends. Nice agenda.

A lot of hard work this past year paid off for Ben as you will see in the upcoming photos. It was a great school year. I can't believe Ben will be a 5th grader in September!

Ben was telling me his 4th grade reflections before the last walk

Hallway of endless possibilities when it comes to learning. Every day he learns more.

Ben walking up to the altar to receive his 4th grade Good Samaritan award. This is the highest honor a student can receive at his school. He worked very hard this school year.

Getting a hug from his teacher

Congrats Ben!

Caught this shot before he went back to his classroom

The bell rings and the kids are turned loose for the Summer. Ben's pal Dennis is happy!

Ben with his friends

Paolo, Miguel and Ben before celebratory lunch and basketball outing

Big decision: What to top off their hamburgers with

Paolo is happy with his choice

Reward after a lot of hard work this school year

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Ben's First Piano Recital

Ben has been taking piano lessons from Ms. Richa a former teacher of Ben's at his old day care. He has been learning and playing for nine months. On Saturday May 21, 2016 he and eleven other students had their piano recital at Jordan Kitts Music in Fairfax, VA. Each student played three songs including a duet with Ms. Richa.

Ben's songs were Supercalifragilistic, Rolling Along (with Ms. Richa) and Take Me Out To The Ballgame. Ben was nervous at first but I told him it was like a basketball game, once he got started the nerves would go away. And they did as he did an excellent job.

In fact, all the kids involved did a fantastic job and the more Ben learns and plays, the better he will become. Maybe he'll even play Take Me Out To The Ballgame at a Washington Nationals baseball game one day.

The set up

Ben was a little nervous

Assurance from Mommy before the performance

Ben relaxed a bit when his cousin Jacob appeared

Ms. Richa explains the program

Ben in action

Photo by William Workinger

Rolling Along duet with Ms. Richa (Photo by William Workinger)

Ben takes a bow after his performance (Photo by William Workinger)

The kids all received Gold, Silver and Bronze medals which was determined by how long you had been taking lessons with Ms. Richa. Ben received a bronze medal. We are very proud of his efforts and dedication and can't wait to see him progress further. Thank you Ms. Richa!