Three years ago I had the greatest fortune of being paired up with Andrew Elias as his math tutor.  I had heard marvelous things about Beechwood School in the Ravenswood School District and reached out to them in hopes of finding a student who needed a volunteer tutor.  The day after I introduced myself to Eric Getter (the coolest librarian on the planet), Veronica Elias came in search of a tutor for Andrew.  Over the next three years we met every Monday afternoon to do math homework, study for exams and anything else Andrew needed.  I thoroughly enjoyed every one of our tutoring sessions and getting to know Andrew and Veronica.  This last week, Andrew graduated from Beechwood School and is moving on to High School in the fall.

Andrew invited me to attend his 8th grade banquet.  It was a special privilege.  I think I may have been the only person there that wasn't faculty or family.  It was an honor.  Eric made room for me at his table with other faculty and helped me feel right at home with those I didn't know.  I then enjoyed a dinner and listening to the 17 graduating 8th graders give a 2 - 3 minute speech. I was so impressed with each kid, but especially Andrew.  He has come a LONG way over the last 3 years.  Within the first year of tutoring, his grades (at least Math) went from a D to a solid B.  All his other grades improved as well, and he was awarded the most improved student in the 5th grade class.  He's continued on that path the last two years -- gaining confidence in himself and everything he does.  It's been so fun to see him grow up.  And he was pretty darn sweet in his speech - he specifically thanked me "my tutor Katie Merrick" for helping me through school.  It was really touching.

Thursday was the actual graduation.  Lee and I both went and listened with pride as Eric gave a little speech about Andrew and was awarded his 8th grade graduating certificate.  His family was super sweet with me and tears were shed as Veronica and I talked about Andrew's growth over the last few years.  The card she gave me really turned me into a mess.   I've LOVED being a part of Andrew's school experience and getting to know his family.  It's been such a rewarding experience.  I hope I'm able to keep in touch with him and see where things take him over the next few years. Congratulations Andrew!

We took a few more photos that you can see on our gallery.