RAD pixels photography

Well, here I am posting about yet another former student graduating from college. I can't say enough about sweet Rachel.  Knowing her as a 16 year old, I was impressed by her thoroughness when completing assignments.  I never had to wonder if her work would ever get submitted, and I never questioned if she had really done her best.  Rachel was the perfect student:   always striving to do better, working ahead instead of always trying to keep up, seeking opportunities to challenge herself, helping others no matter their situation. I remember she was victim to Mr. Anderson's "Gas Attack" WWI challenge; she didn't have her gas mask while cheering at a ballgame. I also remember exactly why I gave her a Dog Dollar that one time.  I know she remembers why, too!  I was so proud to see her release anger and frustration!  Sorry, folks.  That's an inside story only a few people know, but it's still one of my fondest memories with Rachel. I forgot to honor he

I'm incredibly happy and honored to post this update.  Meet Morgan.  UT's School of Audiology's most recent candidate.  I am so proud of this girl and everything she has overcome to be standing right here in this moment.  In all reality, no one should be surprised of everything that Morgan is accomplishing.  She is one of the most driven young ladies I have ever met.   Morgan came into my life years ago, and little did I know, she would become someone who has impacted my life much more than I could have ever impacted hers.  This little lady, who most certainly has not lost the cheerleader posing capabilities, sat in my freshman English class back in Morristown, back when I still had no idea what I was doing as a second year teacher.  I failed this young lady over and over.  Fast forward to just a few months ago when I actively searched for Morgan on Facebook.  For some reason, I needed to know what had become of her.  She has been on my mind more times than I can count

I haven't seen this little lady for an entire year and, man, have I missed a ton!  Aliza Jo has grown so much.  She is almost standing unassisted, and I got to catch just a few seconds of all her glory!  She is curious and very adventurous, not showing fear or reservations for cold creeks, long falls, or goopy, yummy pink icing.  I can tell that this little girl's childhood will be filled with wonder, exploration, and delight as she gets to experience the best life has to offer. I have way too many images from which to choose, so this post is long!  I hope will join me in wishing sweet Aliza Jo the happiest of birthdays! Here's the birthday girl... This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

This Easter, I couldn't help but notice how much my girl has grown.  I wanted to document the little things about her that I may soon -- and too easily -- forget, like her love for My Little Pony and surprise eggs, losing her first tooth simply because the other one was already making its way in, the only little curls left in her beautiful, thick hair, the last of the hand-me-downs from when her momma was a little girl, her tomboy-ish nature, and those beautiful little hands and feet.  Time passes so quickly when little ones are around... This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

Hanah and I took these photos the day she received her cap and gown.  This girl can't wait for these last few days of her last semester in high school to pass quickly .  With prom approaching, she'll have more images on here, but for now, she can revel in the idea that this chapter in her life is almost over. Hanah has had tremendous opportunities while in high school, doing everything from serving on the Carter County Youth Leadership team, attending Governor's School and Upward Bound, playing golf for four years, and most recently, winning third place in the state Future Business Leaders of America competition and being invited to the National competition in June.  She will be graduating with plenty of college credit hours already under her belt, so she can hit the ground running in the fall at ETSU.  Hanah has planned to be a pharmacist for some time now.  As far as I know, her goal is to be involved in public health, and I think Dr. Dula has finally convinced her to