The Elementary Years Are Over

There have been a lot of "lasts" for me this year and they came fast and furious starting the end of May.  My last elementary school track meet.  My last fifth grade marimba concert.  My last day volunteering at Harmony Elementary.  My last Memorial Day Heroes Assembly. The list goes on and on.  I am so happy my kids are learning and growing, but it is with great sadness I say good by to the elementary years.  McKenna finished them out with a bang!

Last Elementary School Band Concert

It's a good thing I didn't consign my flute after all these years.  McKenna enjoyed learning the flute this year and has come a long way (even though she lost it for about three weeks and was playing on a pencil).  I think she will continue to develop this talent in middle school until she has the opportunity to switch to choir.

Last Elementary School Track Meet

McKenna participated in the long jump, the 100 meter dash, 100 meter hurdles and the 4x100 meter relay.  She placed first in the hurdles, second in the 100m dash, and third in the relay.

Last Marimba Concert

Ms. Weldon, the best music teacher in the whole wide world!

Music won't be the same at the Sork household without Ms. Weldon's influence.  From rhythm reading to recorders and culminating in marimbas, she knows how to make the music come alive in the lives of these kids.

A big THANK YOU to the Harmony Elementary School staff.  What a great experience the last thirteen years have been.  You created a wonderful learning environment where my children could stretch their limits and grow.

UHS 2012 Track Season

After being taken out of the season early last year due to injury, Tanner was anxious to see where this year's track season would take him.  He was gunning for state champ in several different events.  He came back this year strong and determined.  Tanner dominated in the 400m, 800m and anchored his 4x400m relay team leading them to victory time and time again.  Meet after meet Tanner racked up an undefeated season.

At state Tanner finally met runners who pushed him to his limits and helped him see what he was made of.  Tanner held on to his undefeated titles in the 800m and 400m through the semi-finals and was able to advance his relay team to the finals.  He had three races to compete in on finals day!  

We thought Tanner was going to chew right through his sweatshirt.  He was so nervous, but he was able to pull out some fabulous final races.

The season ended with second place finishes in the 400m and 800m and a third place in the relay.  Tanner led his high school team to a sixth place finish in state.  Even so, he was disappointed and felt like he should have done better.  It was an emotional day.  We were all so proud of him.  Not many high-school students can come home from a state competition sporting three medals. 

 Over Tanner’s high school career he has earned a place at 8 state competitions and come home with 6 medals:  2 firsts, 4 seconds and 1 third.  Quite a record!

Sing Your Way to State

Union High School has always had a great choir program. They are known throughout the nation and have received many awards and honors.  I think this year was its best yet.

Tanner has been a part of the Union Chamber Choir and Select Men's Ensemble for three years now.  This year he was joined in those elite groups by his younger brother, Austin.  These two had a great time sharing this year's choir experience.  Tanner led the tenors and Austin contributed to the baritones.

These choirs were invited to be one of two high school choirs selected from six states to perform at the Northwest American Choral Directors Conference.  Lots of extra time went into preparation for that event.  Early morning practices, after school practices and evening practices on top of regular class hours were held the months of January, February and March.  That practice paid off.  Their performance was spectacular.  You can view their performance at:  http://unionchoir.org/media/2011-2012/acda/

Also this year they qualified to compete in the state solo and ensemble competition.  Tanner participated in a Men's Quartet Group, Mixed Ensemble and Men's Ensemble.  Austin was able to join his brother in the Men's Ensemble.  The boys took first in state for their Men's Ensemble and Second for their Mixed Ensemble (Chamber Choir).  Tanner's Quartet received superior rankings.  Here is a link for their state performances:  http://unionchoir.org/media/2011-2012/state-2012/

For tour this year they went to Seattle for workshops at local universities and to perform at other high schools.  During the year this group built some lifelong friendships as they were developing their talents.  It was great as a mom to see the boys having fun together and doing something they both love.

State Solo and Ensemble Competition

Seattle Tour:  Safeco Field

Looks Like Trouble!

NWACDA Trip

Seattle Tour: Dinner and Dance Cruise