On 5/17/24, the 8th graders were gathered for the last dance at their school.  The organizers for the event needed more volunteers, so I volunteered and they signed me up for both set up and during the event.  I took off earlier from work and spent slightly over an hour there putting up and decorating tables. Then before 5pm, Connor and I returned to the school.  The vendors and volunteers did a great job decorating the cafeteria and transformed it into a beautiful dance hall with a DJ.  The kids roamed around the outdoor area to play some games, or at the gym playing or watching basketball, or at the cafeteria to dance or listen to music, or eating with all the food that were provided.  There was a photo booth too where I was supposed to staff but I got reassigned to help with drinks.  I could see Connor several times; he was hanging out with different friends spending time everywhere.  Some kids recognized me and once his friends asked me to take a picture with them too. 

     I initially thought three hours were a long time, but all the kids there seemed to be still enjoying their time.  At the end, there was a balloon drop to wrap up the night.  This was a wonderful night for the 8th graders to wrap up their 3 years in middle school.  I am glad that I was there to witness Connor having a blast and was able to capture a few group pictures.