This Was Our Moment

{photo by Brigid Moore}

For our final “Magical Moments” post of the school year, we have a BIG moment to remember, and a guest blogger to tell the story. Robin Lee shares about our recent Athlete’s Celebration, which was indeed a magical evening. Robin and her husband Carl have been at SLOCA for 4 years, with two daughters enrolled: Reagan (freshman at sloCAHS) and Ryan (Primary, Track B). 

And did you hear that we have a new mascot? We are now the SLOCA Grizzlies! Many, many hours went into the process of choosing a mascot to represent our school. The Grizzly, which was once a local to our area, was chosen because we admired many of the traits this animal embodies: they are noble, they are rare, they are beautiful, and they are not to be reckoned with! Plus, this was one of the top choices not already taken by another local school, and they are recognizable to the community, making it easier to get our name out there. More info to come! 

{image credit: Denali National Park / CC BY 2.0}

Now without further ado, here's Robin's reflection on our first ever Athlete's Celebration:

One of my favorite motivational speakers, Carole Holiday, often used a phrase.  Imploring us to be aware of those spaces in time when we need to take a snapshot in our mind’s eye and remember she would say, “This… is a moment.”

Sitting in the multi purpose room Friday night for the first annual Athlete’s Celebration, where students from Primary through High School were honored for their participation, I heard her whispering voice in my head compelling me to pay attention to this moment. The pioneering season of sports in a thriving academic community was a testament to character more than skill, and as a parent of a high school student the pride I felt overwhelmed me.

click to enlarge:

{photos by Chuck Smith}

Season after season the high school kids gathered as teams committed to a program, an athletic director, each other and their school even when it meant showing up for practice and never playing a game. They did so because they cared. Forward progress for SLOCA demands a high school athletic program and the contribution they could make was to just show up. 

The truth is that success in life demands the willingness to show up.

I came to the athletic event because of my high school athlete. I loved the evening because of everyone else.

click to enlarge:

{photos by Chuck Smith}

Life rushes by. I don’t pay attention closely. How many beautiful details swirl by me regularly?

I sat as athletes of all ages were called forward and recognized. A friend’s son came up, gratefully took his pin, turned and faced the audience waiting for his friends. I never noticed before how much he looks like his mom. His eyes were dark as coal yet sparkled like diamonds. He was so happy to be part of a team.

Another friend’s kiddo came up. That smile…it lit the room. Have I really never noticed it before? Every child beamed. Every coach was gracious. Every minute that every parent invested all year long culminated in a spirit of collegiality and respect.

click to enlarge:

{photos by Chuck Smith}

Everyone was a winner.

It was a privilege to savor the moment and notice. 

There were cheers and there were tears. 

From my perspective the kaleidoscope of treasures from sports this year was made possible by the priceless encouragement and knowledge of our athletic director, David Hazlebeck. My eyes get misty remembering the love each of the kids has for him. From the wee ones just starting out to the seniors finishing the journey, there is a deep and profound respect for David. It was so beautiful. 

He was the perfect person to get our program started.

click to enlarge:

{photos by Chuck Smith}

As he graduates from Cal Poly and leaves us to start his new life, I am so grateful for the legacy David began. I am thankful for an administration willing to risk on a program that edified character above all. I am astonished by the beauty that surrounds my children each day at school and on the field; the exquisite example of sportsmanship and teamwork, encouragement and growth.

And I am excited for our new Athletic Director, Erik Blaze, as he takes over this incredible program that David began, and leads the SLOCA Grizzlies onward and upward. 

{photo by Chuck Smith}

Last fall the girls’ final volleyball game was marked by Sage Theule’s inspiring words for her team. As one of the team’s captains she would call to them–during intense times– “This is your moment.” She was so right.

These are our moments. These are moments with our kids; moments with our school; moments with other families; moments to stop and enjoy the best life offers. I cannot speak highly enough of what the sports program at SLOCA gives to those who take part. I thought the Athlete’s celebration was a beautiful end to an incredible year.

I am really proud to be a Grizzly right now.

Thank you Robin, for beautifully capturing this magical evening for us. Here are more photos from our Athlete’s Celebration:

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Chuck Smith}

{photo by Karen Becker}