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My little sisters big graduation day went off with out a hitch & we all had a great time. Things started really early like around 9:30am so we all were a little tired. But the ceremony went by pretty fast & I was able to get some pretty good shots for as dark it was inside and how are I was from the stage. Glad I had my 70-200 IS lens with me. After hearing tons of other names of students finally April crossed the stage and well all screamed and cheered. With a big smile she got her diploma & photo with dean & then it was off to have a good time. We took some pictures right outside after then went to grab some drinks & food. We ended up staying downtown all day, then hanging out on East 4th all night. It was a great time & I was glad I was there to see it all happen. Great job April !!!

I’ve been looking out for my little sister from the very beginning.  I knew from day 1, that April would be nothing but the smartest, kindest, most intelligent sister, friend, and partner that anyone could ever meet.  Most of all I knew she would be successful in everything that she would attempt in life.

Even from an early age, April excelled in everything from school, to dance and sports.  There was never a time that April couldn’t walk into a room and light it up with her cute smile and amazing personality. 

As April grew up, dance became one of the most important parts of her life.  She went from taking classes at an early age to convincing our parents to turn our basement into a dance studio so she could practice even more at home.  After all that practice it paid off to where all her skill and knowledge of dancing grew exponentially that not only did she continue to take classes but also began teaching them herself.  Today she professionally dances at events all over Cleveland.  She’s the top instructor at our family’s dance studio where there are many little girls that hope to be just as good as April one day. 

Being almost 30 years old, many friends have come and gone in my own life.  In doing so, I’ve come to appreciate and know what I expect and hope a friend would be to me.  April has those great qualities of being a friend and even more than what a friend should have.  She’s one of the most loyal and caring friends anyone could ever have.  She’s fun to be around. always makes you laugh and will always be there for you no matter what.  She may be my little sister, but most of all she was one of the closest friends I could ever ask for.  I have always been able to go to her for anything, whether it was about school, friends or girls.  She was always there for me through all the good times and bad.  She’s touched and brightened up everyone’s life she’s ever been in.  Anyone would be lucky enough to have her as a friend.

Of course being her brother, I always had to watch out for April.  Over so many years, April of course had boys in her life.  I went out of my way plenty of times to intimidate them all and make sure that there was no way things would work out for her and any of those boys.  I never felt that any of them were ever close to being good enough for her.  Then one day, Rich comes along.  Rich is one of the most amazing guys that I could ever ask for to come along for April.  He treats her like she’s a princess and takes excellent care of her.  I’ve never seen a better couple together.  Rich is the one and only guy that I have ever felt was good enough for her.  He’s the exact kind of man that I could ever hope for my little sister.  Nothing but greatness can continue for the both of them in the future.  (No pressure Rich!)

Along the way, not everything has been as perfect as we had hoped.  We have all had the obstacles that we had to endure. 

No matter how hard things got, you always had you’re family.  Family IS always the most important thing.

Even though there’s family that has always lived out of state, April was one that always jumped at every chance to see our cousins whenever possible.  She’s the one that always stays in contact and close with all of them.  Just last month, April was the maid of honor in our cousin Corry’s wedding. 

Besides how proud I am, our mom is just as proud, if not more, of April and of all the hard work she’s put into everything in life… especially school.  My mom even made sure to point out numerous times to me that April is the first and only one of her kids to graduate college.  Thank you April to make me feel like I should start going to school now so mom will get off my back   I truly believe that April will be just as successful as our mom in everything that comes along in the future. 

When it comes to our dad and April, being the only boy in the family, I always felt that dad would kind of have my back and help me out, as long as April didn’t need anything.  Our dad acts and says he doesn’t have a favorite, but I still believe, to this day, that he gives April gas money all the time.  I’m pretty sure he stopped doing that for me at least 10 years ago!  There will be extra tissues for our rough and tough truck fixing dad for when April walks across the stage to accept her diploma.  She will always be the apple of his eye no matter what.

If you can’t tell by the pictures above, April and our sister Angela have a very strong and close connection.  Angela may be our older sister, but April has always helped take care of Angela as well.  Even now, more than ever, since Angela had Eli, April is always there for her.  They may be sisters, however, they are the bestest of friends that anyone could ask for at the same time.

Even though she may not be able to tell you herself, Grandma is, and has always been, extremely proud of everything you’ve done April.  She always wished nothing but the very best for you.  In her own way today, she is very happy for everything you have accomplished and all the hard work you have put into it all.  I truly believe she’s very happy and proud of you this day and always.

Even though he can’t be at the ceremony today, your biggest fan and supporter is thinking about you right now and can’t wait to see you!  “Now that you’ve graduated, does that mean I should pack my bags for Lakewood?!”  (Love, Felix)

We all are extremely happy and proud of you April.  All your hard work never went unnoticed.  You deserve nothing but the best and we couldn’t be more excited to be there with you on this special day!

Ever since day 1, I’ve always been looking out for you April. 

On your graduation day from college, I could not be more proud of you and extremely happy for all that you have accomplished!  I will always be there for you no matter what.  I know that nothing but amazing and great things are down the road for you and I will be by your side the entire way.  Love you always, your big brother, Jay.

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