Ballagás

This past weekend was ballagás, or the graduation ceremony, in all the high schools in Hungary. Trefort Ágoston Kéttannyelvű Fővárosi Gyakorló Szakközépiskola, where Jack teaches, put on a fine celebration. As is typical, the students are lead by class throughout the school to say good bye to each of their classrooms before the ceremony begins. The whole school is decorated with flowers for the occasion. As the students file by, parents and friends present them with bouquets which they carry along with balloons to match their class color. It was 5 years ago that Jack's first group of students began. We were told at the time that we should stay 5 years so that we could see these students graduate. We never thought we would stay this long, but last Friday we were able to see those students graduate. 

One student from the graduating class has become a special part of our lives. Szilvi first came to our Serve The City events a couple of years ago and then began to attend our Bible study group shortly after. Jack has accompanied Szilvi in several performances at school and at private recitals. Last year we were able to travel with Szilvi and her parents to Transylvania to visit her aunts and uncles and grandma and cousins. Many of them came to Szilvi's ballagás so we were able to greet them again. They treat us as a part of the family and so were invited to the party at a csarda afterwards. We had so much fun being with the family again and getting to know them better. 

Jack and fellow TeachOverseas teacher Paul with part of their 9D class this year.

Szilvi blowing us a kiss in her procession through the courtyard.

The procession...notice the pouches worn at their side.

Szilvi receiving her award for the performances that she gave at Trefort throughout her 4 years.

Jack's first class as 9D now graduating as 13D

The class picture hanging in the hallway at school. Szilvi is the artist who designed the picture and drew all the additional artwork. Her picture is a girl wearing American colors since her dream is to continue her studies in the U.S.

Szilvi's family including Jack and Cindy and Paul

This is the traditional pouch that each graduate carries at their side containing a forint, a picture of the school, a short saying appropriate for the graduate, and a small pogácsa-the traditional roll.

Szilvi between Jack bácsi and Cindy néni

Szilvi's Dad offers a toast at the family celebration meal