Post Track Season

Tanner didn't like taking second at state.  It left a bad taste in his mouth, so when Marcus Dickson (a BYU recruit from White River) asked Tanner if he wanted to run in the Border Dual meet with him the following weekend Tanner accepted. The top runners from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana would be there.

Marcus, who is a very talented runner, told Tanner he would pace him.  Marcus was gunning to break the state record in the 800m.  If Tanner stuck with him he could top the first place time at the state meet and take what was rightfully his, a state title.

Tanner (443) and Marcus Dickson (464) at the Border Dual

Before the meet Tanner was a ball of nerves.  Marcus told him he was going to run the first lap in 53 seconds.  Tanner wasn't sure that was the race he wanted to run, but he trusted Marcus and stuck to him like glue, then decided in the last 100m he wasn't going to take second to Marcus either.  Tanner turned up the speed, overtook Marcus and placed first breaking the Washington state high school record and becoming the fastest high school 800m runner in the nation for 2012.  We didn't even know what he had done until someone in the stands told us what a remarkable run it was.  In 1:48.74 Tanner's life changed. 


 To see an article about this event see:  http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/track-and-xc/post/_/id/3739/sork-dickson-crash-washington-800-record

Here is a video of the race:  http://youtube.ng/watch?v=LgRzwPKvg4w&feature=relmfu

The second we got home the phone was ringing - coaches were calling to see if Tanner had decided on a college yet and had scholarship offers for him.  Luckily BYU was one of those calls.  The star 800m runner from BYU had seen a post about the race by Marcus and called the BYU coach and told him he better get on the phone with Tanner and get him signed.  That he did.  The coach also encouraged Tanner to go to the Junior National Championships in Indiana and compete for a spot on the Junior USA team that would compete in the World Junior Championships in Barcelona, Spain in July.

Tanner signing his letter of intent for BYU

That gave us a lot to think about.  Tanner was set to start BYU the same weekend the National meet was held, and if he did make it on the US team he would be missing a lot of his summer term to go to Barcelona to compete.  After lots of prayers we decided this was an opportunity we needed to make happen for Tanner.

Tanner Sork (left) surges to the finish line to take the victory in the 800 in 1:49.10 at the Portland Track Festival.

We entered Tanner in another race, The Portland Track Festival, this time he would run against college and pro runners to see how he could do and if Barcelona was within his grasp.  He didn't disappoint.  He ran another sub 1:50 800m, taking first against seasoned runners.

Here is the link to this race: http://www.runnerspace.com/eprofile.php?event_id=139&do=videos&video_id=71084

If there was any doubt in our minds, there wasn't anymore.  We definitely needed to send him to Indiana for the Junior USA National Championships.

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

McKenna's 11!

A midst all the spring hubbub, my baby has turned 11.  She has grown into such a beauty both inside and out.  For her party this year she wanted to do a spa night.  Boy, did I wish my sister Tricia was around to help out.  What a time we would have had together pulling this "spa-tacular" party off.  It was still fun to do on my own, but after 12 feet and 60 toes I was tired!  What counts is McKenna was happy and all her friends seemed to have a great time.  Our only regret was that we couldn't invite ALL her good friends.  I just could not see a way to do it with 12 -15 girls!  

6 was the magic number.

As each guest arrived they received their spa basket that had everything they needed in it for the night and chose their nail polish color for their pedicure.

The baskets had their craft supplies in it, a headband, microfiber washrag, makeup pallet, foot soak medallion, scented body wash and smoosh, nail care set and some lip gloss.  When they chose their nail color they added that to their basket as well. Thank heaven for the dollar store!

Once everyone arrived we got to work on making the rag-tie flip flops to be worn after the pedicures were finished.

Elizabeth Zundel showing off her rag tied flip flop.

The kitchen table was set up for a mini-class on basic make-up application.  The girls were able to choose their color pallet and had a good time practicing putting on their own make-up.

Cassidy Dustin powdering her nose.

Sage McKague putting on her eye shadow.

Of course then we had to do some glam shots.  Don't they all look great!

Back (L to R):  Cassidy, Anna, Molly, Elizabeth
Front (L to R):  Sage and McKenna

After the photo shoot it was time to head back to the table for a mini-class on skin care and make-up removal.  The girls couldn't believe I was making them take off all their hard work.

Molly Meyers removing her make-up.

 Of course a facial class wouldn't be complete without a hydrating mask.

Anna Cordes and Molly Meyers sporting their masks, cupcakes and personalized water bottles.

After the masks were removed and everyone had satin hands (another spa secret) we adjourned to the movie room (still set up from prom) and projected a movie while each girl got their pedicure.  It was at that point I had to call Eric in to help.  He had to keep rotating the foot baths for me because I was up to my eyeballs in toes and polish.

Of course the friend birthday party didn’t negate a little family celebration on the day of her birthday.  If you can’t tell by the pictures, McKenna is really into zebra print right now.  Everything McKenna got was zebra print: scarfs, glasses, shoes, bags, socks, notebooks... 

Carson spent about two weeks fixing up his old Chinese yo-yo (taking it apart cleaning it, replacing the sticks and strings and repainting the body in black and white) to give to her so they could yo- yo together.  It was so thoughtful.  

The morning of McKenna’s birthday, Carson made her a birthday breakfast of chocolate chip, smiley face pancakes and sang happy birthday to her. Those two have quite a bond.

  That evening she had her a candy bar pie and was treated to a 

rousing, opera style happy birthday song. 

Happy Birthday, McKenna.  We love you!

Under the Sea: Prom 2012

Tanner and Austin decided to get a group of choir friends together to go to prom.  Tanner asked Hannah Scott, the girl he teased with worms in elementary school and Austin asked Maria Collins.  

Both boys wanted to put their best foot forward so the day of prom started with cleaning out the jeep.  Sweaty workout clothes and empty lunch sacks all over wouldn't impress.  Dad lent a helping hand.

Following the jeep cleaning the boys helped me finish getting the house set up for the post-dance party and movie night.

Movie Theater Popcorn and Candy Counter

Big Screen Under the Stars (Northwest Style)

Chocolate Fondue Bar

With preparations finished, the boys cleaned themselves up and went to get their dates.

Flowers were exchanged and pictures taken at Hannah's house.  

They then went to the Grant House on Officer's Row for dinner.

The dance was fun and the post-party went well. Everyone was very impressed with all the preparations and had a good time.  It was a successful evening - not bad for Austin's first date.