Another school year in the books

Another school year is almost complete.  Just a few more days and this one will be... as they say... in the books. 

Middle school and high school end each year with a grade level award ceremony.  In these students are chosen for grade-level awards in each subject as well as a few special awards.
Today I am going to the middle school as Amber is receiving an award for math and for band. 
And last week I went to the Junior class awards at the high school and Brett was given an award for citizenship... the assistant principal called the few students who received this award the "unsung heroes of the school". 
In these type of moments, I can't help to feel so proud of my children and what wonderful young people they are!!

Brett has one year of high school remaining - and then he will be off to conquer even bigger challenges!!
I am excited, nervous, worried, and thrilled for him all at the same time.
Deep down though - I know he will be FINE!  He is ready for this time in his life, so look out world, he's coming your way!

Brett having one year left, means that Jared is close behind... close to being finished with high school as well.... and that keeps me up at night!

Unlike Brett, Jared will not leave high school with a diploma.
With college prep in the minds of so many high school parents and students, the task of actually obtaining a high school diploma doesn't seem like much of an issue any more. 
It is more like a given.... a way to just move on to the next academic place... college.
It is also something, as parents, we assumed was a given for our children.
Of course they will get a high school diploma, of course they will go to college.

But Jared will not leave high school with a diploma.
He will receive a certificate of completion.

In Virginia, in order to receive a high school diploma you must take a pass a certain number of classes in each subject (4 English, 3 Sciences, etc.), and these classes must be academically on grade level.  You must also pass any end of course state level tests that are associated with these classes.

Jared is so bright.
However, his autism causes language/communication issues and social/anxiety issues.  These two things coupled together make grade level academic learning out of his reach.

He has come so far.
From a child who didn't talk until age 4 to a young man who can now share things about his life with you.... a young man who can call me mom sometimes "mother" and who can tell me "I love you" (a miracle that I will never, ever take for granted).

We made a decision to focus his school time on functional reading and functional math and social skills (those things that will be important for him as an adult to reach the goal of having a job that pays a livable wage and living as independently as possible). 

I am reminded of these things when I see Brett so close to finishing high school.  I am reminded that Jared will not do so many of the things that most people his age will have the chance to do...
drive
date
go off to college
etc.

But I am also reminded that I will never say never.

For Jared has done so much that we were told he would "never do".
And he does things his way.
And most importantly.... at the end of the day.... Jared is HAPPY with his life.
He is content.
And daily he teaches me to be content as well.