Pleasant Grove High School 10 Year Reunion

Pleasant Grove High School

Class of 2004

Memorial Table for Joshua

Joshua's Senior Picture

A few months ago, Kimberly Friess, contacted my son Jeremy about setting up a memorial table at the Pleasant Grove High School 10 Year Reunion.  Jeremy called me right away, and I was so touched and thrilled!  What a beautiful honor!

I have always had warm tugs at my heart anytime I think of Joshua's 5-1/2 years at Pleasant Grove High School.  Joshua had incredible teachers with Lisa Clark and John Kernan.  He loved his keyboarding class with Cory Thomas - and he could only say her name all together!!  In fact, Cory is the one who thought of the rolling chair to get him from one class to another -- this was awesome on those days he would not walk!

Joshua also got to be with his Uncle Glenn, a math teacher, DJ and basketball coach, who became his security blanket in so many ways.  He rescued and helped Joshua on countless occasions.  And Joshua LOVED going to Glenn's basketball games.  They have a forever special bond!

The Lovely Lunch Ladies made him feel special every day with their help, friendship and patience.  They even wrote him a sweet and beautiful poem that captures their special bond.

Joshua and his brother Jeremy

And I think of these wonderful students and their acceptance, understanding and love!  When I would come to the school for various activities, I was constantly amazed at their enthusiasm with Joshua.  He got so many greetings walking down the hall.  He got high fives and handshakes, and of course many, many hugs for the pretty girls!  Jeremy started catching on to that, and when he would tell a cute girl he was Joshua's brother, of course, she thought that was awesome!

Joshua and Jeremy at PGHS Graduation

One day I met a young lady who had attended Pleasant Grove High School at the same time as Joshua and when I asked if she remembered him she got so excited and told me that when she and her friends saw Joshua coming down the hall, they would make a line, and as he walked by they would each give him a wonderful  high five!!  There is no doubt he loved every single minute.

And now tonight, with a sad, but thankful heart, I will set up a memory table at the reunion.

Some of the awards Joshua received at Pleasant Grove High School were:

Friendliest

Athlete of the Month

Student of the Month
Special Olympics medals

Certificate of Completion

Thank you Kimberly, and Class of 2004 for giving Joshua joy, friendship, love, understanding and amazing memories.  We love you!!!