My husband Mike and I moved to Annandale 16 years ago for one reason, we wanted to raise our three children in a small, close-knit community. Mike had this growing up in Decorah, Iowa and I did on the North Shore in Minnesota. The community of Annandale has exceeded our expectations. After only a few years we both feel “part of it all.” This of course has been enhanced by our children and their school relationships. Meeting their friends, friend’s parents, teachers, neighbors and classmates. Our kids have given us an entryway into many lives we wouldn’t have known had it not been for them. Now our youngest has graduated…. in so many ways I am happy for him but I will miss our final connection to the school.
One of the greatest gifts this community has given our family was electing Mike to the school board eight years ago. He has worked hard on many projects and development of the Annandale school system. One of the greatest “give backs” of this job is to hand out diplomas to his children. Zoe was our first to graduate in 2011. I was videotaping the big moment when Mike stepped forward and Zoe received her diploma with a fatherly bear hug. I had no idea that this was going to happen. I immediately burst into tears. This just felt so right and such a privilege that we would not have had living in a big city.
I was ready for the moment six years later when Mike gave Jack his diploma in 2017 but I was no less emotional. It was such a big day for a young son and a proud Dad. This year I videotaped the entire class as they were presented diplomas by Mike, as he is now the proud chairman of the Annandale School Board. Ben and Mike embraced and it took my breath away. How did this happen? We just brought these kids home from the hospital! I am so proud to be a small-town mama. And I am so glad we found this community, our amazing neighbors and friends, and most of all a wonderful foundation of love and support for our children as their Dad hands them their diplomas, sending them out into the world.
Peace, Sandy
“The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse.” —Edward Koch
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