Graduation

For students in Mexico, summer brings with it graduation ceremonies and celebrations here in the mountains. I realize this is not novel for many. However, in Mexico, there are many more opportunities for graduation ceremonies: from kindergarten, 6th grade, secondary school, and then preparatory school. This summer we attended 3 different graduation ceremonies. First, Yoshiah Kaemingk graduated from kindergarten. He participated in a song performed by his class and after the ceremony we enjoyed ice cream in the plaza in Creel.
On the same day that Yoshiah graduated, the children in San Luis Majimachi graduated from 6th grade. Jose Luis attended this ceremony and took many photos (this has become a tradition and many people in the community ask him to take photos of their children).

Finally, we attended the graduation of the granddaughter of the pastors in San Rafael from secondary school. This was a long ceremony with 70 students graduating. Mixed in with the receipt of diplomas were songs and dance numbers.Speaking of dance numbers, in both San Rafael and San Luis Majimachi, students performed a dance called "the old men" - so crazy and not really a dance as much as it is a drama or skit. But all in attendance absolutely love this act. After each graduation, students are sometimes given rings to commemorate the milestone - just imagine, 4 rings before you turn 20!