Graduation Spotlight

This past week has been full of emotions. I never thought seeing kids graduate, after I've already been through it so emotional. I think its the idea of that I am getting older. This is our second 8th graduation with the kids at Jefferson St. We have quite a few 8th graders that are graduating. Most of them have graduated this past weekend which we unfortunately missed, but will be watching the rest of the kids walk across the stage this Thursday. It's amazing to see the changes in the past two years with our 8th grade kids. They come in as little 7th graders and come out ready for highschool, and most of them you see so many changes. I'm tearing up just thinking about how much they have grown. If I am this bad now how bad am I going to be with my own kids. 

Stout Kids- Aaron's Graduation 

My Cousin Aaron also graduated this weekend from Illini Central High School. I was able to go out Sunday and celebrate with the family on his accomplishments. My uncle Kev and Aunt Deb made some amazing food. I had a wonderful time seeing my family! Congratulations to my cousin Aaron, and Good luck in College

 

Joseph Mangano - High School Grad Rapha House

Another Senior Graduating spotlight goes out to one of Chads old small group guys, Joseph Mangano. Chad has known Joe since he was in jr high, and now he works with Chad at Guzzardos. He graduated this past week and is going to attend Lincoln Christian University and has one amazing goal. His goal in a lifetime is to raise I believe a million dollars for a non-profit organization called Rapha House ....you can google it for more info. Basically it is a relief/healing home for those who have been affected by human trafficking. He gave an entire presentation in front of his church about how much he is passionate about this organization and his goals!! We are so proud of what he is doing and the goals he is setting forth. If you want to help him with his goal you can look him up on Facebook or contact Chad or I and we can get you his info. Wait-a-GO Joe, we are extremely proud of you and can't wait to see all the different things God has in store for your life.

There are many more this week that are graduating and I am sure I'll post more about graduation. I am so proud of our graduates and am excited to see what God has in store for each and every one of them. Keep up the good work...it will be worth it! 

Other than that this week we have been busily working on preparing for camp. I've been getting all our summer schedules put together and everything else. We had camp training down at the Decatur Y which was interesting, and this weekend we will be back at training. I can honestly say I'm ready for May to be over with and just to get the ball rolling with the summer. The weather is amazing I just wish I had an area to sit out in the sun and study and read. 
Well that's it for Tuesday I'm sure there will be more to come, we still have a very busy rest of the week/end. 
From the Koke house ....have a great week