Tamar's graduation.

Sunday afternoon, we drove our rental car back to Northampton to attend Tamar's graduation from Morthampton High School. It was held in a large auditorium on the Smith College campus - John Greene Hall, I believe it was. The whole affair was very different from Brendon's graduation - starting with the size of the graduating class - Brendon's was 4, Tamar's was 236, according to the daily newspaper. But it was not a perfunctory occasion. Tamar sang in two groups, and had several short solos. The principal actually gave a very thoughtful talk, as did the woman chosen as Teacher of the Year, and also the students who spoke - class co-presidents and a young man chosen by his peers. The name of every graduate was read, and they walked across the stage and got their diploma. It took about 45 minutes to do that! We were up in the balcony, in the back row, because we got there too late to find a seat downstairs. It was a long climb up the stairs, but I made it! The stage was a long way away, but we had a good view of it! We got to see Tamar outside before the seniors had gone inside, and afterward we met her, and Julie and Jerry, at a restaurant in Amherst - "Pasta e Basta" - and had a very nice meal - I had Eggplant parmigiana, which I ate about half of and took the rest home for lunch on Monday. It was delicious. It was just a very nice event from beginning to end. And I got some photos:

Ellen, Tamar and me, outside, before the graduation.

The view of the balcony fron our seats - gives you an idea of the size of the hall.

One of Tamar's choral groups -the "Northamptones," I think. They sang the "Star-Spangled Banner" in a very harmonic arrangement, and did it very well.

Tamar's name in the list of graduates, and the program for the graduation ceremony. I learned by seeing this program that Tamar's middle name is "Elizabeth." That is Ellen's mother's name, but it is also the first name of my daughter. The asterisk after Tamar's name means that she is a member of the National Honor Society.

Pasta e Basta restaurant in Amherst.