It’s over. Officially Steven Merino is no longer a High School Student. He is officially a Freshman at San Diego State University.
This year, Steven blossomed into the man I knew he could be. His confidence has transformed him from a timid, invisible, lazy little boy to a funny, charismatic, lazy adult. I contribute much of his growth to his new BFF, who gave him the attention he needed just when he needed it most. I thank Liz from the bottom of my heart for helping Steven realize his worth. What I’ve been trying to do for 18 years, you achieved in 6 months.
One of Steven’s greatest strengths has been his ability to choose the right friends- most of which are moving on to UCLA, Berkley, USC, etc., scholarships in hand. Marshall Fundamental’s class of 2010 is truly remarkable, ranking 23rd among 27,000 public high schools in the United States. We will be paying close attention to Jack and Erin Colletta, Michael Carrandi, Josephine Kinney, Lance Ridenoure, and Randy Watson, all Don Benito Alumnus who have been with Steven since Kindergarten. I am happy and proud to say that they are the future of our nation.
We now are tasked with trying to prepare Steven for college life, where he has to feed himself, get himself to school, wake himself up, wash his own clothes, and live with someone else who won’t be as tolerant as we have been. I have a strong feeling that we will be making frequent trips to San Diego in the Fall to keep him on track…
The scariest thing to me is imagining the Merino Household without Steven. He is definitely the spirit of the house- keeping everyone entertained and with smiles on our faces. His absence will be felt deeply and constantly. I really don’t know how I’m going to deal with it. I’m crying just writing about it, so I will stop…
Here is a slideshow from the Graduation and the Family Celebration:
Steven, we are very proud of you and love you dearly. Congats on your completion of this critical stage in your life. On to the next stage…
Love,
Dad.
