Congratulations Jordan - Class of 2011

While this blog is usually to report on the ministry we are involved in in Thailand and neighboring nations, please indulge us as we honour our amazing son Jordan who has lived in Thailand with us for the past 3 years and has now graduated high school and is leaving to do missions work in Japan.

Jordan Ray Perry - Graduating in the class of 2011

Despite (or maybe because of) 3 years in an American based International School, Jordan has remained fiercely Aussie and is also now claiming his New Zealand heritage. Jordan entered Grace International school in the Sophomore year, Grade 10 (year 10), completed his Junior year last year (yr 11) and this year has graduated his Senior year (year 12).  I have no issue with the titles the Americans give to each year level.  I don't mind the yr 12 students continually being referred to as "Seniors",  BUT I do object to all us mothers of year 12 students being referred to (apparently affectionately) as "Senior Moms".  It makes me feel way too old.


Right: Jordan leaves home for his last day of school, giving his sister Lizzy a lift as he goes.  Yes he does have a valid license and we do insist on quality helmets, but the rest of the safety gear is not quite at Aussie standards. (Note Lizzy carrying the cookies on her lap for an end of year class party)






 Graduating from an American school is a protracted series of events full of ceremony and celebration. We start with the sports awards night for Varsity (senior) teams.

Jordan leaving the stage with his soccer team - trophy in hand

Jordie had a great year, excelling in a number of sports.  We reported on his triathlon feat in an earlier blog.  Above: Jordan (black shirt) is honored and awarded for his feats in soccer.  Jordan was the "Varsity Team" goal keeper and broke the school records for saving goals.  As goal keeper he wears a black shirt/ white tie while his mates wear the opposite.  The team dressed this way for school each game day.

Next is the Celebration Dinner for all the families of seniors.

Left: Jordan receives a "fun" award for an ongoing joke with his journalism teacher.  This was a relaxed night before we got into the more formal & serious ceremonies.

Jordan, Tim and Lizzy having fun at the Senior Celebration Dinner

Next is the award giving and candle lighting ceremony

All of the seniors walk onto the stage with a lit candle and light the candle of one of the Juniors, then blow out their candle, signifying the passing of the flame from one year level to another.  Right: Jordan lights the candle of a friend, Hanna.
At this event, awards are also given for academic excellence. Prior to this ceremony other class awards were also given out.  Of the 18 awards given for journalism, Jordan received 6!

Finally it is the Graduation Ceremony and Senior Prom

Jordan seated in the top right corner, 1 of 62 graduating students

During the ceremony all the seniors come down off the stage to present their mothers with a rose and to thank their families for their support during their school years.  It is a very emotional and touching part of the evening's ceremonies. Certainly lots of tears in our family at that moment!

And of course there is the main event of the night, the awarding of the High School Diploma.  Right: Jordan receives his Diploma from one of the board members of the Grace International School.  Jordan will return to Australia on June 8 for one month to apply for a visa to work in Japan.  He will serve with Jesus Life House in Japan for a year, then probably return to Australia to study before returning to Japan as a career missionary.

Congratulations Jordan, We are so very proud of you!