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Raven!

An amazing perk came our way as a result of Connor's hard work organizing the NJHS/Safeway 10% Back to School grocery rebate program! The regional Safeway marketing coordinator was so impressed with SRMS students' hard work and enthusiasm for the program that he offered us a unique school-wide incentive program to increase receipt donations. We were able to offer a random receipt drawing where Connor and 10 lucky winners from our school (Yeah Graeme!) received an awesome NFL Ravens prize package including (we still can't believe it).... a tour of the Ravens' locker room with your own name on a locker stocked with a t-shirt, football, yearbook and lots of Heinz products and pre-game snacks (an official sponsor), a trip through the game-day tunnel and on to the field to participate in a fun pass, punt, throw and kick competition, topped off with a buffet dinner (more Heinz products) on the club level of the stadium. It was incredible! Now Connor can say he kicked an extra point on the Ravens field and Graeme can say he nailed a 30 yard pass down the sideline. It was definitely a night to remember!

Meeting Poe in the locker room

Running through the tunnel
and imagining you are Ray Lewis doing his dance

Taking a photo because we were really in the RED ZONE!
OK... the PURPLE zone!

Taking a knee: Connor and Nathan

In the end zone: Graeme and SRMS 7th grade winners

...and it was ALL good!

Feed the Sharks!

... so we've quickly learned that the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) is not all about candlelit pats on the back in suit coats! As part of his membership obligation this year, Connor has to perform at least 24 hours of service to his school and community. His first project was spearheading a grocery store receipt collection program to earn rebate money for his school PTSO. He and I organized 20 other students who worked for more than 70 hours over a three-week period collecting 1,000+ grocery receipts and entering their promotional 20-digit codes into a special website. We offered a pizza party to the homeroom that collected the most coded receipts and Connor et al stood in the local Safeway store lobby night after night with the cool shark mascot collection box. In total, Connor and his NJHS recruits raised more than $2,700 for SRMS! Great project, Connor (and Mom)!

Connor's
National Junior Honor Society Induction

In recognition of their contributions to Severn River Middle School and their community in the areas of scholarship, leadership, character, service and citizenship, Connor and 49 of of his 8th grade classmates were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society at a special ceremony this month after a rigorous application process. I have to admit I pretty much take this type of thing for granted mothering a great kid like Connor, but even I was amazed and inspired by what all of these kids have already accomplished in life, inside and outside the classroom. Not only are they all honor roll students, they are all also great examples to others as very busy athletes, musicians, artists, scouts, church members, volunteers, and family members. It was a night to sit back, take a break and notice not only how fast it is going, but, for a change, to also see how much is being accomplished. Congratulations, Connor; we are so proud of you.
This photo is just for Jennie so she can see that he really did fit into the size 16 suit jacket (required attire)! Thanks for the hand-me-around!