Canton was voted as “Best Musician”

Happy 17, Canton!

Dear Canton,

Happy Birthday! What a year you have had! Since you turned sixteen, you have won several awards, experienced college auditions, traveled the Northeast in search of your next home, and made us more proud than I can ever describe. Just look at your year:

• Virginia Theatre Association – Studio Division Winner – Mother of Exiles
• Virginia Theatre Association – All Star Cast
• Virginia Theatre Association – Musical Theatre Runner Up
• Virginia High School League – State 3rd Place One Act Play – Mother of Exiles
• Virginia Thespian Festival – Best Actor
• Virginia Thespian Festival – Superior Rating Thespy Award – Musical Theatre Duet
• Virginia Thespian Festival – Superior Rating Thespy Award – MT Solo
• Choir – Districts and All State Tenor 1 Delegate 1
• Choir — Student Director
• Accepted – Choir Directors Association Regional Choir
• Latin – NLE Exam Medal
• Scholastic Bowl Team District Champions
• Scholastic Bowl Team Region Champions
• Scholastic Bowl Team State Finalists
• Bland Music Local Winner
• Mamma Mia –  Harry and Vocal Captain
• Suffs – Woodrow Wilson
• Speech Team – Captain
• Speech – Humorous Interpretation – Region Champion 
• Speech – Humorous Interpretation – Super Region Champion 
• Virginia High School League – Humorous Interpretation State Champion (Team 3rd place!!)
• Southeastern Theatre Conference One Act Play Champions – Mother of Exiles
• Southeastern Theatre Conference Outstanding Actor
• Speech NATIONAL QUALIFIER!!!

Last year I remember saying that you couldn’t top your sophomore year; you did and then some! I probably missed something, but look at this list! There is so much ahead for you in the years to come, and we will always be the loudest people in your cheering section.

“You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only seventeen…”
Seventeen. I can hardly believe it. You are so young and so old at the same time, stepping into who you’re meant to be. Watching you grow into someone so confident and so capable has been an incredible blessing. The next year will bring so many changes: deciding on your college, graduation, and moving on. You are wise beyond your years and have a sense of humor that will get you through almost anything. This is your time to shine, to enjoy life, and to embrace everything that makes you you. But know that we will always be here to support you, guide you, and do that huge load of laundry you’ll bring home on breaks.

“Take a chance on…”
One of the things I admire most about you is your willingness to create. You have ideas moving through your head all the time; often while having a conversation or doing your homework, you are always focused on the next thing. Whether you realize it or not, you’ve already taken chances: on yourself, on your goals, and on your future. Keep doing that. But don’t be afraid to bring other people along for the ride. I know that a lot of people let you down, and I know how hard it must be to have your brain sometimes. But the world opens up to people who are brave enough to step forward, even when they’re unsure and can’t predict the outcome. People are drawn to you, it’s okay to let some of them in sometimes.

“Slipping through my fingers all the time…”
Time has moved faster than I ever expected. There are moments I wish I could hold onto a little longer, but seeing you grow into such an interesting, honest, creative, engaging man has been a joy. You’re becoming your own person, and even though your hand doesn’t fit in my anymore, you’ll always hold my heart.

“I can still recall our last summer…”
The memories we’ve made together mean everything to me, both the big moments and the small ones. From laughter to challenges, every experience has shaped who you are. The big trips to the small daily moments of just chatting about your day or crafting a joke. I hope you carry those memories with you and keep making new ones and that you’ll look back and know how loved you are.

“You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life…”
Never forget to enjoy life. You work so hard, especially this year. Please remember to also laugh, have fun, and live fully. The best moments aren’t always planned; sometimes they’re the ones where you just let go and enjoy being where your feet are.

“Knowing me, knowing you…”
As you continue to grow, you’ll learn more about yourself: what you value, what you believe, and who you want to be. Trust that process. You are thoughtful, strong, and capable of making good decisions. I know I hover, but I believe in you completely.

“Thank you for the music…”
Thank you for being you, for the joy, the laughter, and the meaning you bring into my life every single day. I can’t imagine in 14 months what it will be like when our house isn’t filled with your voice and the beauty you create. Being your mom is the greatest gift I could ever ask for.

Happy 17th birthday. Your story is just getting started, and I can’t wait to watch you create your magnum opus!

I love you, sunshine!!!

Love you forever,

Mom