Junior High Graduation

  • Post category:School
  • Reading time:1 min read

Well, he did it! On Sunday, James graduated from junior high at a very nice ceremony at our minor league baseball team’s stadium. He rolled onto the field as an 8th grader and came back to the dugout as a freshman in high school. Stacy and I sat in different sections, so you’ll notice different views in the pictures below. This wasn’t because we didn’t want to sit together. Our original tickets were in the lower level of the stands, but because my mom was with us, I sat with her up in the handicap accessible section on the upper level. We had a much better view from up there, and it was in the shade, too!

 

A blue and white yard sign stands on a grassy lawn near a house. The top section shows the name of a junior high (blurred in the photo) above a heart‑shaped logo formed by two hands. Below that, an illustrated knight holds a sword and shield. Large text at the bottom reads “Class of 2023!” giving the sign a celebratory, end‑of‑year graduation feel.

 

James sits in a wheelchair in front of a white garage door, wearing a dark blue graduation gown and blue sunglasses. Attached to the garage door is a tall vertical banner decorated with stars and a graduation cap graphic, reading “CONGRATS GRAD! 2023” in bold white and gold lettering. The scene captures a proud, celebratory moment marking his graduation.
Off to graduation…

 

James sits inside a vehicle in the middle row, wearing a dark blue graduation gown and sunglasses. He is secured with a seatbelt while seated in his wheelchair, which is positioned and anchored for transport. Sunlight fills the interior, and through the windows you can see other cars and the roadway outside, giving the moment a calm, everyday feel of accessible travel.
Almost there…

 

A hallway with orange walls and a concrete floor leads toward a bright outdoor area. Through the open doorway, three people stand outside — one pushing James in his wheelchair and two others nearby — with green trees and a fence visible in the sunlight. On the right wall inside the hallway, a black diamond‑shaped sign reads “TO PLAYING FIELD,” with “Boomers” and “Wintrust Field” printed below, marking the path toward the outdoor sports area.
Going onto the field

 

A baseball field is arranged for a graduation ceremony, with rows of chairs set up on the grass for attendees. At the front, two blue‑covered tables labeled “Junior High” flank a podium, with additional chairs behind it for speakers or honored guests. Tall blue‑and‑white balloon columns and a large decorative panel featuring a blue apple with a green heart add color to the stage area. In the distance, the scoreboard reads “Graduation 2023,” and advertisements line the outfield fence, with trees visible beyond the stadium.
This was my view

 

A baseball field is set up for a graduation ceremony. Rows of brown chairs fill the foreground, facing a blue‑covered table with a junior high logo printed on the front. A podium with a red microphone and a white container sits behind the table. In the distance, the scoreboard displays “GRADUATION 2023” against a bright blue sky, with green trees lining the back of the stadium. The scene feels open, sunny, and celebratory, blending a sports venue with a formal milestone event.
This was Stacy’s view

 

Viewed through the protective netting at a baseball stadium, a person pushes James in his wheelchair along the dirt path near the field. A blue covering rests across the chair. In the background, the stands are filled with spectators, creating a busy, energetic scene that highlights an inclusive moment at a large public event.
Making his way to his spot

 

On a sunny day at a baseball field, a graduation ceremony is underway. A long line of students in navy blue gowns walks in procession toward a stage set up near the pitcher’s mound. The stage holds a podium, several chairs for speakers, and a blue‑covered table with a junior high logo. In the foreground, James is in his wheelchair with his nurse assisting him, while spectators watch from the stands. The green grass and stadium backdrop give the ceremony a bright, open, celebratory feel.
Making his way to his spot

 

Graduates in navy blue caps and gowns gather on a baseball field, standing in organized groups facing a stage set up near home plate. The stage includes blue tables with school emblems, a podium, and a large backdrop featuring a blue heart with a yellow center. Rows of chairs are arranged for speakers and officials, while spectators fill the stadium seating behind them. Advertisements line the outfield walls, and the bright, sunny weather gives the ceremony an open, celebratory feel in this unique outdoor venue.

 

During an outdoor graduation ceremony on a baseball field, several graduates in navy blue gowns sit facing the stage. James is seen in his wheelchair wearing a blue graduation gown and a colorful bucket hat, participating in the ceremony with his nurse standing beside him. Behind them, banners and advertisements line the outfield wall, and the scoreboard screen shows a live image of people on stage. Bright sunlight and green trees frame the scene, giving the moment a lively, celebratory feel.

 

On a sunny grassy field during a graduation ceremony, several graduates in dark blue caps and gowns gather near a blue‑covered table marked with a junior high logo. James sits in a wheelchair while his nurse, dressed in black, assists him, creating a supportive moment amid the celebration. Other people stand or sit nearby watching the event, with bright light and open space giving the scene a cheerful, end‑of‑year atmosphere.
On his way to get his diploma

 

On a sunny baseball field, rows of graduates in navy blue gowns stand on the grass facing a stage near the pitcher’s mound. On the stage, presenters hand out diplomas to students one by one. Two blue‑covered tables with a junior high logo sit at the front, with chairs arranged behind them for speakers and guests. Tall blue‑and‑white balloon columns and a large blue emblem create a festive backdrop. The bright outdoor setting gives the ceremony an open, celebratory feel.
Getting his diploma

 

During an outdoor junior high graduation on a baseball field, James is assisted in his wheelchair toward a blue‑covered table marked with the school’s logo. Behind the table, two presenters — one in a suit and one in a light‑colored dress — read from papers as part of the ceremony. Folding chairs sit arranged behind them, with additional staff and attendees nearby. Graduates in blue gowns are visible in the foreground, and a sign in the background features a heart symbol and “2023,” adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
You did it buddy!

 

Seen through protective netting, a group of people stands on a grassy field during an outdoor graduation ceremony. A person in a black sleeveless outfit and sunglasses holds an open folder, interacting with graduates dressed in dark blue gowns. Sunlight and the open field create a bright, celebratory atmosphere, with the dirt path and green surroundings adding to the outdoor setting.
Congrats James!

 

Viewed through protective netting, two graduates in dark blue gowns and white stoles sit together on a grassy field during an outdoor ceremony. James is in his wheelchair wearing a colorful bucket hat, and beside him another student sits wearing large headphones. James' nurse, wearing sunglasses and a sleeveless black top, stands behind them, offering support. Other graduates in blue gowns are visible nearby, and the bright outdoor setting gives the moment a celebratory, inclusive feel.

 

Outside the “Boomers Front Entrance,” James sits in his wheelchair wearing a dark blue graduation gown and a medal. Jeff and Stacy stand beside him, posing proudly for a photo. Tall balloon columns in alternating blue and white frame the entrance, and the brick building behind them is decorated with patriotic bunting. The bright outdoor setting and celebratory decorations give the moment a festive, family‑centered graduation feel.
Proud parents

 

Outside the Boomers Front Entrance, James sits in his wheelchair wearing a dark blue graduation gown, cap, and a white medal. Jeff and Stacy stand close beside him, Stacy leaning in to kiss the top of James' head. A tall blue‑and‑white balloon column frames the entrance, with another visible farther back. The brick building and bright outdoor light give the moment a festive, affectionate feel as the family celebrates his graduation.
Mommy kisses

 

Outside the Boomers Front Office entrance, James sits in his wheelchair wearing a dark blue graduation gown and a medal. Jeff and Grandma stand close beside him, smiling warmly as they pose for a photo. Behind them are glass doors, a brick wall, and a tall blue‑and‑white balloon column that adds to the celebratory feel. The moment captures a proud, supportive family scene on graduation day.
The grad with Daddy and Grandma

 

A close‑up of James' graduation medal hanging from a dark blue and white ribbon. The medal shows an illustrated knight’s helmet with a plume and a flowing blue cloak. Text around the edge reads “Junior High Class of 2023,” marking it as a commemorative piece for the graduating class.
Junior High Class of 2023