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Towards the end of spring semester, we woke up to find a celebratory lawn sign at the foot of the driveway.
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When Allyndreth made her college decision, she decided to broadcast it to friends and relatives through a flower arrangement. And the winnner is.....The University of Washington, Seattle!
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Go DAWGS!
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Acalanes held a Senior Recognition Event for students committed to majoring in a Performing Art in college or committed to playing a sport.
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Each senior was interviewed about their decision. To summarize Allyndreth's decision, she wanted to go to a school where she could double major in Drama and Japanese, while still encouraged to be the Renaissance learner in other disciplines she wants to explore. UW's motto is "Be Boundless." That has also always been Allyndreth's approach to life.
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Drama teacher Ed Meehan with drama majors Megan Crane, Isabel Powell and Allyndreth.
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As graduation grew closer, the front fence of Acalanes was decorated with giant heads of the senior class. Allyndreth is at the far left of this picture (just before the post) at the large intersection of Pleasant Hill Rd. and Stanley Blvd.
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The Senior Time of Reflection (formerly Baccalaureate) was closed to family members due to health regulations. But we snapped a picture of our senior as she prepared to leave.
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Things were getting serious when it was time to paint the mortarboard.
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Thank you, Nathan W. Pyle, for the inspiration.
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Allyndreth's AP Comparative Government final was on the last day of school. The teacher gave test credit for anyone who brought a homemade baked treat. Allyndreth and a friend got together to make Black Forest Cherry Cake. It was a hit with the class, and earned full "cake credit" on the exam.
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The Graduation ceremony limited the amount of tickets per student to keep the crowd low, due to health restrictions. Since this meant the grandparents would not be able to attend, we held a pre-graduation dinner at Metro in Lafayette.
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Grampa Pete, Gra'Karen and Grammie would all tune in via Livestream 24 hours later to watch Allyndreth get her diploma.
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Awaiting the time to march into the stadium, Allyndreth and her friends documented their historic day.
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Drama department graduates with Mr. Meehan.
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By the entrance to the stadium were photo collages families made to mark the big milestone.
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Stadium set up for social distancing and bubble seating.
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31 years ago, Matt and Christina were on this football field graduating.
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As the graduates walked in, Allyndreth gave a high-five to her Psychology teacher, Mr. Jazayeri.
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It turned out we were sitting just a few rows behind our personal graduate.
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Way up front, under the balloons, Allyndreth shakes the principal's hand.
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Allyndreth had a friend as far away as Australia watching the ceremony on Livestream.
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The Associate Principal handed her the actual diploma at the back of the field.
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Are we done?
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Allyndreth Melody Smyth - High School Graduate!
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with Tori Ness
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Before we removed the giant head from the fence, we needed a twinsies shot.
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The After Party with Tori and Jen.
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