Nine years in the making.  Countless hours of work by Eagles, Guides and owners.  The time had come to launch our first Launchpadders into the real world:

Ellie has been accepted into the University of San Francisco on a full Merit scholarship, but would be deferring a year to travel the world helping to launch more Acton Academies.

Sarah is a National Merit Scholar who will be attending the University of Texas at Dallas Honors College in Engineering and Mathematics on a full Merit scholarship.

Sager, fully prepared and qualified for a competitive university, is going directly into  high tech, with a “stars and steppingstones” plan for success and fulfillment as a video game producer.

But those brief descriptions in no way capture the depth of their characters nor the world changing potential we had gathered to celebrate.

We started the morning with words of assurance from Laura Sandefer.

• Their wings are strong.
• Their minds are tough.
• Their hearts are warm and open.
• They are ready.

Next we heard from each graduate, of lessons learned, lives transformed and grateful hearts.  Then time for diplomas and three individual awards, named after our Launchpad pioneers, to be given each year in their honor.

Playwright and entrepreneur Steven offered  words that will echo for weeks to come,  reminding us that real heroes focus on relationships and how we serve those around us by listening and being present.

Then it was time for our three heroes to cross the threshold into the real world, and new adventures.  Gone, but never to be forgotten.

Was it worth it?  Every single minute.  For the honor or serving Ellie, Sager and Sarah, with deep gratitude for all they gave in building Acton Academy, and with eager anticipation for all the good they will do while changing the world.