Making the Grade & Taking the Cake!
“Pomp and Circumstances” is no longer served up solely for the ceremony of high school graduations. On May 29, I returned to my own alma mater, where I was a second grader in 1967 when it first opened its doors.
Amid the awards galore, and recognition of rampant readers and mathematical minds, I couldn’t be more proud of my granddaughter and her collective classmates at this notable Noblesville elementary honorary.
These kids collected accolades for their many successes throughout their school day endeavors. There was laughter, tears, more laughter, then more tears. And just when I was reaching for my remaining hanky, in marches in the graduating NHS seniors that early-on entered their educational days right here at North Elementary! This old alum’s eyes were flooded with pride and a mind full of memories of my own from this annual ‘closing of the classroom’ revelry.
At its end, exuberant and excited eventual entrepreneurs exited the building and were off to the adventures of summer vacation. Meanwhile, my granddaughter Averie and I set off for Phase Two in our celebration of graduation.
What destination would deem worthy of such a celebratory ceremony? We headed to where whimsical wishes and dreams come true – The Cake Bake Shop in Carmel, where both kids and adults one feel like a star in their own fabulous fairy tale. Here, your table is your throne.
At first glance of the magical menu, one may not be enticed by the price. But honestly, this experience is akin to a day at Disney! Once you behold a bite of their signature Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake, you won’t regret the cost. And what better story for my graduating granddaughter than that of Gwendolyn Rogers – founder, owner and president of this amazing establishment. Her story is inspiring for young and old alike.
Did Gwendolyn ever dream she would be deemed the queen of delicious desserts? Could this someday be my Averie, an entrepreneur herself with a penchant for producing the perfect chocolate chip cookie? (She herself has worked many hours in experimenting with various recipes to arrive at one she calls her own.) Could my own grandchild end up hailing as a perpetual product of hard work and hometown inspiration in pursuit of post-educational professionalism?
Who knows what lies ahead for these youngsters who made the grade and are moving on to middle school. Still Miller-bound in their hometown, I have to believe their forecast features many more monumental milestones. Congratulations to ALL of Hamilton County’s celebrated students and proud parents!
Can You Relate is a column from Noblesville High School grad Branna (McCarty) Shores. Branna believes that “HOME is where your story begins.” A Noblesville native and proud alum of NHS and Purdue, she is a professional speaker, advocate for mental health and work / family balance and retired social worker. Branna is the mother of two grown daughters, six precious grandchildren and wife of one brave husband! Her passions include singing, writing and sharing the lighter side of life through lessons learned, both personally and professionally. She can be contacted at branna18@gmail.com