The Prom Date

I am so proud of this boy.

He graduated from his Kindergarten, Elementary and Middle school, all on Honor Roll. However, what makes his graduation from Middle School different from the rest is that:

1. It was the first time he was going to a prom.
2. He went on his first date with his first true love on his arm.

From Kindergarten thru middle school, various girls had crushes on him and would try to bring treats for him organize his folders and books for him, even carry his book bag for him, but what is so different about this time, is that this was the first time he made the choice. It was the first time he approached a girl and expressed what he felt.

 I remember how happy he was after winning a (come from behind) 100-meter race during the recent track season in March. He ran up to us in the stands not to say how great he felt to win the race, but to announce that he is now officially dating his track and field team mate; a girl he has liked for sometime now. Mom and I looked at each other and tried our best to hide our emotions. We both had questions. “Son… did this occur before you won your race or after? I will leave you guessing...

Before the prom he not only made sure he had a great haircut, he also went shopping for a color coordinated outfit that would match hers. They both came up with the color scheme and plan to look coordinated, but what was even more impressive was not the fact that he arrived promptly to pick her up and open and close her doors for her, but the fact that of his own volition, he went out of his way to stop at store to get a rose for her, before picking her up.

That is what is so telling about this photo.

I went to Jamaica College an All Boys High School in Jamaica that has and All Girls sister school by the name of St. Andrew High School. There was not much interaction between both schools so I never experienced that teenage Co-Ed experience or interaction. I can only imagine what it would have been like, as I witness it vicariously through my son. Yes (in church and at joint school events) I had crushes and yes some had crushes on me, but with the limited interaction between the two schools, I had no official girlfriend in High School. The good thing though is that I knew no different and up until this moment, did not question if I missed out or not. I don't know... Did I?

With school officially out today, I wish these two Middle School Track and Field sweethearts a fun summer.