This was the description written about Elizabeth, published in the papers. I think they got it right : )
Elizabeth' gift from us was this necklace...a butterfly, of course. Her first diamonds. Sounds crazy, but I can't tell you how great of a sale it was and so it was totally not as expensive as it sounds. And, I am sure the diamonds should be called diamond dust. In any case, it was the perfect gift for her for this occasion and she was so happy to receive it. Also, check out those nails! I took her for a manicure (she always gets a mani-pedi before surgery or a procedure, so I told her we must go and get them done for a celebration rather than in preparation for the hospital.
Liz received a luscious lei from the staff at her school. I could cry even thinking about how cared for she is by the amazing teachers, Counselor and Principal at Prisk. You can take the Education Budget and cut it all away, run a school system that thinks of test scores rather than the children's learning itself, and have a society where athletes and pop stars are held in the highest regard and teachers are simply used and, as is the case now, tossed aside. BUT, even with all of that, these educators (at least at our school and I'd imagine almost every other school out there) care for each child and respect them as people who deserve the best education no matter what situation they are forced to teach in.
Anyway, the lei was gorgeous, weighed a ton, and Liz wore it as if it was a badge of honor. Such a sweet and perfect gift.
Liz fell in love with this dress, after being told she could choose any dress she wanted.
Shaking hands with Mayor Foster and Mike Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery was raised and educated in Long Beach. He has coached basketball at Stanford and now Cal. His speech was from the heart, not scripted, and wonderful. He shared about his life here in Long Beach, stories of inspirational boys he has coached and shared his memories and stories about his friend, Coach Wooden. It was great!
Liz and Mayor Foster keep meeting....and she is offended he can't remember her name! SO funny. She first visited the Mayor's office last year with Student Council and has been at a few hospital media events with him. In her mind, she may as well be invited to the Foster Christmas dinner!
Mrs. Foster giving Elizabeth her medal. Each honoree received a plaque, a medal and two Proclamations- one from Long Beach and one from the Senate.
Elizabeth and her PROUD Papa. My sister, brother and I are pretty fantastic ( : ) ) but we have never received a Most Inspiring Award or medal...Not.Even.Travis! : )
Elizabeth's Principal and Counselor. They went out of their way to make her feel so very special.
Past teachers Mrs. Bell and Ms. Bonetati, who have continued to support Liz.
love you guys! so pleased with you lizzie lu! and ally thank you for blogging this!
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