June 19, 2013
-
First-Born
There are many people about whom we might say that we've "known their entire lives". But when it comes to the accuracy of that statement, it couldn't be any more true than as it applies to my own children... all 6 of them.
Why do I say this?
Because in less than ONE day, TWO significant things will take place at the same time...
My oldest son will graduate from high school, and it will also mark his 18th birthday.
I can honestly say that I couldn't be more proud of the young man he has become. I consider it a privilege that God allowed me to be chosen as the bloodline into which he was born. But the bigger blessing is the honor of being his father. And the joy of witnessing his transition from toddler to teen as he approaches and appropriates his manhood.
So this is a dedication to my namesake...
My first-born...
My son...
Maurice Welch Jr.
And if you would indulge me a bit further, allow me to list just a few of his awards and honors he's received throughout his high school academic career...
- Principal's Honor Roll: Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 for 3.5 GPA or higher
- National Society for High School Scholars: Grades 10, 11 and 12
- National Honor Society: Grades 11 and 12
- National Thespian Society: Grades 11 and 12
- Tavis Smiley Leadership: Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
- National Young Leaders: Grades 9, 10, 11 and 12
- All American Scholar Winner for the United States Achievement Academy: Grade 10
- National Mathematics Award: Grade 10
He will be attending the University of Southern California (USC) in the fall on a full academic scholarship.
Comments (19)
Congratulations to you as much to him.
Job well done. (So far. Because a parent's "job" never ends.)
@PrincessPowers - Thanks. Yeah, I know a parent's job never ends. Even now my parents still worry over me... in a very loving way.
Yay! Congratulations to you and your wife, as his parents, and him!
What an amazing post. I hope he will see it, as it is such a gift. I can see why you are so proud of him and congratulations!
Epic. <3
That is AMAZING!!! What a wonderful achievement!! Congratulations and Happy Birthday to your son!!
Congratulations! That's awesome
Congratulations! That's wonderful!
well done on raising a go getter
Sounds like he had an amazing family to support, push and encourage him in all the right ways =)
Congrats to him though! That is quite the achievement!
Congrats proud dad!
OMGosh, that is amazing, and the full academic scholarship, that is amazing times two. You are an amazing man Riis . . . and Riis, Jr.
congratulations!!!
A fine young man....you have every right to be proud of him. I salute him, and you for being a good , caring, dad.
But I will never understand the name thing, the Junior thing. Share your name? Are you that insecure? Or that egotistical? I will never understand it why new born people don't have their own individual name.
But that is just me.As I said, I will never understand it.
Kudos to your son! And kudos to you for raising such a son!
A good looking young man, Riis. I'm sure both you and your wife are proud. And congrats for obviously providing a loving and encouraging environment in which he was allowed to grow and prosper.
That is so awesome! There is nothing quite like the pride a parent feels in their heart toward their child.
He is going to go so far! Congratulations...to the both of you!
Dang, what a smart guy! Congratulations, he does you proud. This made me want to start having children immediately.
I'm sure you're so proud of him. Congrats to you!