College Graduates

Da Couple
Originally uploaded by blountman.

Okay, it's time to brag on our kids. As you already know, Ian was student of the month at VBHS in Feburary. Well, on Friday, May 4, 2007, Elliott and Abi officially graduated from Florida Christian College. They both completed their coursework back in December, but they "walked" on May 4th. A record-breaking 62 graduates had either an Associate's or a Bachelor's degree conferred upon them at the 28th Annual FCC Commecement Excercises that evening.

Elliott and Abi both graduated Cum Laude (GPA of 3.5 or higher). But that was not the highest honor bestowed upon them both that evening. Let me quote from the Commencement Program:
Zeta Upsilon
The Zeta Upsilon Honor Society was created by the founding Faculty of FCC to honor graduating seniors who have demonstrated the qualities of scholarship, character, service, and leadership during their years in the College. Only seniors with grade point averages of 3.0 (B) or greater for the course of study are eligible. Candidates must be nominated to membership by two Faculty members. No more than three dissenting votes in a secret ballot election by all the full time faculty members is permitted. This is the highest honor that the Faculty can bestow.

Out of the five Zeta Upsilon awards given to members of the Class of 2007, Elliott and Abi each received one! Needless to say Peggy's and my hearts swelled with pride as did Dave and Jan Pardue's.

God has blessed us with children who love Jesus, and who are willing to use the talents and abilities they have been given to bring glory and honor to God. Elliott is now the full time minister of Worship Arts at Frist Christian Church in Clearwater, and Abi plans to pursue Master's level work this Fall in the Tampa/St. Pete area. Ian plans to pursue a degree in youth ministry from Florida Christian College (after a year at Indian River Community College), and Emily continues expressing a desire to work in the education field, perhaps even looking into becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist like her Mom! Yeah, I am proud!