Presedential Award of Excellence for Tanya

I attended an award ceremony yesterday, May 27th 2009 in Tanya’s middle school, Thomas Russell. The function was to award talented middle schoolers in all spheres of school activities. Tanya had earlier told me that she will get a 4.0 GPA award for maintaining that grade throughout her 8th grade. I used to see her getting 4.0 GPA every quarter in her 8th grade whenever the progress report was sent by postal mail and hence I was not very surprised to hear this news. While I was happy to see her maintain 4.0 GPA throughout and get this award; I must admit that I now expect her to maintain 4.0 GPA (good Dads don’t do this – expectations; never). I am willing to work with her for her to maintain this GPA. See, I am not shying from my responsibilities!!!!

I know she missed her 4.0 GPA in Seventh Grade by a whisker, something she could not complete or was not sure how to complete some of the requirements in her Leadership Class. That one mistake cost her 4.0 GPA in seventh grade. That made her straight A’s in eighth grade more satisfying and I was looking forward to attend this event.

Once inside the multi-purpose hall in Thomas Russell School, I took my seat and as usual preferred to sit at the edge (1st chair of the row towards the aisle) though that seat was way back in the rows of chair. 2/3rd of the seats were already taken by the time I entered the hall. That’s what happens when you don’t get a bit early for such events. After a few minutes, I got up and went to the reserved student rows to take a picture of Tanya with her friends. When I came back to my seat after clicking the photo, I saw a lady sitting on my chair and refusing to get up. Not sure if she was taking drugs!

I got another seat at the last but one row but the one closet to the aisle. The ceremony began and various students were awarded based on the achievements. It’s always nice to see the result of your hard work at the end. I could see the proud parents of the kids who received the awards. All the while I saw Tanya rooting for almost all the winners. Don’t know if she cracked her voice towards the end.

Finally they called the 4.0 GPA students on the podium and there went Tanya along with 6 other students. I felt proud as well as a lump in my throat. I was never a 4.0 GPA student myself and seeing your daughter collect the award for 4.0 GPA makes your heart fill with joy. To sweeten the deal further when I looked at Tanya’s certificate and lapel pin, I saw it signed by Barack Obama, The President of United States. In fact the pin that she got has a seal of the office of the President of the United States. When I relooked at the invitation for the day I saw that all the 4.0 GPA students indeed were listed to get the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence.

So the first Presidential Award for excellence for Tanya. I pray that she maintains perfect GPA in each and every school year and more. Way to go Tanya. We are all proud of you Didi.