Dear Aki,

You’ve come such a long way from the shy toddler who would refuse to join other kids at the playground, to the resilient young adult you are today.  While the uncertainty of today’s world has completely upended your expectations of how your time at high school would end, you’ve come through the experience probably mentally stronger than you could have imagined.  I’m sure you remember the trip to the Destination Imagination Finals in Knoxville.  Do you remember the conversation we had as we waited in the bus that was to take us to the airport to go home, as the bus was behind schedule?  We talked about, if the bus were late and we miss our flight, we could have an unexpected adventure in Nashville and make the best of it.  With your special group of friends (who were also on that trip), you’re living through your unexpected adventure in COVID-19 Land and making the best of it.  We’re all incredibly proud of you, and we’re looking forward to seeing you discover more of who you are in the coming years as you hopefully continue your friendship with your “Crew.”

-Yoriko

 

 

Justin,

Here you stand, on the brink of the next stage of your life, and your future looks so bright! It seems like only yesterday we were dropping you off at pre-school, where you learned to be a good classmate, student, and friend. Then it was off to elementary school, middle and high school, developing your musical talents on trumpet and piano (which you started at age 4!). And all the time, playing soccer – with the Y, Trebol, FC Boulder and Fairview High — becoming a great teammate and friend to your mates. Soon you all will scatter to different parts of the country, gaining knowledge in different fields to build successful careers. You will always have a bond with your Colorado home, your special group of friends, and your parents, wherever you may be. We are so proud of what you have become, and what you will become, in a life well lived.

Love,

Mom and Dad

 

 

Jackson,

We are so proud of the young man you have become. Kindness is contagious; you are kind and respectful to your friends, teachers and work colleagues. Stay balanced; you have learned to balance your time with school, work and your passions which have helped you to achieve your goal of a private pilot’s license.  Continue to be curious about the world and ask all those questions like you have since you were 2 years old. No matter where you are in the world, you will always have a strong connection with your friends you’ve known since Kindergarten. Good luck on your next adventures in college and remember to laugh along the way. Life is a wild ride!

Love,

Mom, Dad & Ella

 

 

 

 

Dear Jake,

Words cannot express how much we love you and how proud of you we are. Watching you and Elyssa grow up in Louisville from little kids into the strong, confident, kind, smart young adults you are today has brought us so much happiness as parents. Every day you do your best and make this world better for everybody you encounter. We hope you feel immense pride when you look back on your high school years. You accomplished and learned so much, and you helped your community. Above all, you were, and are, a good person. Thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives.

-Mom & Dad

 

 

 

Dear Sebastian,

It has been a privilege to have you as our son, and to say that we are proud of the young man that you have become would be an understatement. And yet, pride is the sentiment that best sums up our emotions as we prepare to watch you enter into a new and exciting phase in your life.

While you have excelled at many things over the years, your greatest gifts may be your indomitable spirit and your passion for living life to the fullest. You are someone who is not afraid to try new things, who finds meaning in hard work, and who values friendship above all else. Your strength of character and, most importantly—heart, are perhaps evidenced best by the people that you have chosen to surround yourself with. While we celebrate your many academic and sports achievements, your friendships are what we are most proud of. Aesop said “A man is known by the company he keeps” and in your case, this speaks volumes. You have chosen to surround yourself with people who are, like you, leaders and strong thinkers, but above all else, are kind and full of zest for life. Aesop also said “Adventure is worthwhile”. Adventure shared with good friends is made even more so. May your life be filled with adventure, and may your adventures continue to be shared with good friends!

-Mom and Dad

 

 

To Our Son, Max White

Watching you grow these past 18 years has been such a blessing.  We remember that first day of kindergarten and we wondered what you would think of school.  You were a bit timid to start, but within a few weeks you had met this group of friends that you still run around with today.  You put all of yourself into everything you do.  You wanted to join Cub Scouts and then said, “I’m going to be an Eagle Scout!”” and you made that happen.  You wanted to play jazz on the piano and trumpet and then in 5th grade you and your friends all got on stage and played Take 5 by David Brubeck at the talent show.  You are such a thinker and you have such a passion for so many things, including music, backpacking, reading, and we have been thoroughly enjoying that you have picked up cooking as a hobby during your senior year.  We are consistently amazed at what you can whip up and it’s delicious (homemade falafel, Thai curries, steaks, homemade pasta with all kinds of greens, etc.).  You make us proud in so many ways!  We are excited to see where you are headed now that you have graduated from high school.  Thanks for always being up for an ice cream run with your mom! We love you!

-Greg and Kristin White