Yesterday was the graduation for the Class of 2012 from the Culver Academies, Culver Military Academy and the Culver Girls Academy. What a beautiful day filled with so many traditions and emotions! Both schools have a long history which was very obvious to all who were in attendance through out the weekend. The full slideshow and gallery from graduation can be found on my Culver Academies page. The images tell the story, but I've added in a few explanations for my reader who may not be familiar with all of the traditions. 

The morning started with the girls walking to the chapel for their class photos. As is tradition, all of the girls were dressed in long white dresses and looked beautiful! They received their flower bouquets to carry through the ceremony after their photo. Each girl's flowers were chosen by them, so there were many varieties. 

During the girls early morning festivities, the boys had their own traditions they began the morning with. The Final Farewell by the 1st Classmen to the lower classes occurs prior to the boys lining up for their Final Formation. Very emotional for all and I heard from multiple students how tough it was for them to do. I think the images tell it well. My husband, Ed, captured these moments while I was with the girls.

The festivities continued with the color guard, marching band and girls proceeding onto the field in front of all of their family and friends, soon joined by the boys. Mr. John Buxton, Head of Schools,  gave a great commencement address to his students. It sounds like this class was a great one! 

The girls received their diploma and then walked through the CGA arch. The boys did the same following the girls, but instead they stepped through the Culver gate. Very emotional for all. The smiles on the other side were wonderful to see and from my vantage point when the boys came through the gate and then headed for their seat, I was able to capture the initial emotions. 

The girls passed the Culver Girls Academy Register and the boys passed the rank on to the Class of 2014, another important Culver tradition. 

Closing and dismissal...and hats flying, tears rolling and hugs all around. I too, had trouble holding back the tears of joy for these kids. Thank you for being part of our community. We send you on your way and know you will do amazing things in your future. Congratulations! 

{Becky}

Becky Furry, owner of Always Happy Life Photography is based in Culver, Indiana and travels throughout the Midwest and East Coast for custom lifestyle portrait sessions. Becky is a member of the Professional Photographers of America and also is a certified pediatric nurse practitioner. She loves that Always Happy Life Photography incorporates her love of children & their families with her love of photography. She specializes in maternity, newborn, children, senior and family photography. Always Happy Life Photography is an authorized photographer for the Culver Academies. Client portrait sessions are on location using natural light or in the Always Happy Life Photography studio which has a background of beautiful old barns, sprawling green fields and is close to Lake Maxinkuckee and the gorgeous Culver Academies.