End of the School Year Activities

Michelle in the High School Choir
June is a very busy month in our community here in Yaounde.  June 1 Rain Forest International School held a choir concert featuring Middle School and High School choirs.  It was great, and many thanks go to music teacher Miss Edwards for all she’s been able to do with the students since her arrival in January.
Baccalaureate Service at ICCY

The first Sunday of June we had a Baccalaureate Service at the International Christian Church of Yaounde honoring graduates from both RFIS and the American School of Yaounde (ASOY).

Elementary students perform a song for the parents

Then at the schools the students are recognized for their accomplishments and character.  At the elementary level the students presented what they learned for the parents at a closing ceremony.  Then each teacher presented character awards to the students. 

Ben gets an award from Ms. Carolyn for his organization skills
The next day we celebrated the passage of our 6th graders from elementary to middle school with lunch out at Cafe de Yaounde.  All 4 of the 6th graders and parents enjoyed a wonderful lunch out.
Lunch out to honor the 6th graders - Ben and his friends

Next was the Middle School Celebration where the Middle School Choir performed for parents and each of the students was awarded a character award. 

Nate is awarded for skills in building things.

And at the High School many awards and recognition of accomplishments are given.  Michelle was awarded for passing IGCSE exams (aptitude tests required in some countries), for Bible memory and for highest GPA in her class. 

Michelle (left) and others accept their awards
And the week of celebrations and awards ended with the grand-daddy of all awards, Graduation! 
For the first time ever, graduation was held at the RFIS Auditorium.  We were instructed to transform the room.  So many of us were there early to drape cloth around the room, blow up balloons, and give the room a makeover. 
Decorating the entry to the auditorium
The day after graduation all the graduates held an open house in one location.  It was fun to see their pictures, and hear about future plans.
Open House for all the graduates
 
Congratulations to the Class of 2012 !
RFIS Class of 2012: 9 "thorns", 2 "roses" ... and a dad (not a grad)

   Believe me, I was watching all the activities for the senior class (and parents) with interest since next year that’ll be us – Michelle is now a senior!

 
 And the following week in this missionary community, people started leaving.  Some have come to the end of their comittment and are ready to move on to other things.  Others have a year (more or less) in their passport country connecting with ministry partners.  It is a time of transition, and we were able to assist families with packing, cleaning, and most importantly, feeding them their last meal before their departure to the airport.
Final meal in Cameroon with friends before their flight to USA
The table was extended to the max more than once this week.   And in the coming weeks we expect to open our table for more “good-bye” meals, as well as some “welcome” meals to those who are returning or coming for the first time to serve in Cameroon.
 
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