On June 10, 2021, our eldest son, Jon Michael Halvorson, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the School on the Environment at the University of Washington. Because of Washington state Covid restrictions at the time of his graduation, Jon Michael did not get to ‘walk’ to receive his diploma, but he ordered a cap and gown anyway for the time of celebration. On Saturday, June 12th, we had a great day walking around the U of W campus on a perfectly sunny day as Jon Michael, wearing his hard earned cap and gown, showed us where he did so much of his hard work.
To start off the fun week of festivities, we had a big family party at Dan’s parents’ house on the evening of June 10th (the day after we arrived in the US from Kenya). So fun to gather with 30 people in celebration of Jon Michael’s big accomplishment!
We also enjoyed a couple of days up in the Seattle area as a family, during which time we took the Seattle Light Rail into the city to walk around and enjoy the University of Washington campus for photos of the new grad. That afternoon we enjoyed an early dinner together at a nice Mexican restaurant.
After our couple of days spent in Seattle, we packed up and headed to Lake Pearrygin near Winthrop, WA to camp as a family at a place we had camped together many times when the kids were young. We enjoyed being back camping at the lake that holds so many fond family memories for each of us as we continued the celebration of Jon Michael’s graduation.
One morning we rented bikes to bicycle around the Methow Valley together, and spent another afternoon in the town of Winthrop enjoying some delicious ice cream at Sherri’s followed by some great putt-putt golf at the ‘Winthrop Country Club’. We even got a photo of the kids (minus Sarah who had already returned to Jackson Hole, WY where she’s working for the summer) on the saddles in front of the ice cream shop where we have taken so many pictures of them when they were young!
Jon Michael, we are so proud of the hard work and determination you put into accomplishing this great goal! We love you and are so glad we got to celebrate this achievement with you! CONGRATULATIONS!!
~Lesli
The Halvorson Family in Africa 
Dear Jon Michael,
Carol and I send our warmest and heartiest congrats to you on this auspicious occasion. Just remember that now they
can’t take your degree away from you – you’ve earned it fair and square. You look really happy in the photos as
you should, surrounded by family and the many memories you have from and with them. Those memories will become
part of your life’s legacy. Once again, we are so proud of you and look forward to hearing of many more accomplishments
in the years to come. God bless and surround you with His grace.
Sincerely,
Carol and Dick Haines
(FBC)
LikeLike
Thank you, Dick and Carol!
LikeLike
Congratulations to you, Jon Michael; and to your parents as well. It takes a family to get a student through those. four grueling years.
Best wishes,
Rudy (UW 68, 72) & Carol Knaack
Whidbey Presbyterian Church
LikeLike
Thank you, Rudy and Carol!
LikeLike
Congratulations Jon Michael! We loved looking at all those great pictures! Your entire family has a special place in our hearts. We ask God’s blessing on you in the next chapter of your life. Follow Him and he will guide you and give you wisdom for all the days ahead!
LikeLike
Thank you, Rick and Gloria! We are thankful for you both!! Glad you enjoyed the photos!
LikeLike
What a wonderful accomplishment, and then family time besides! The best of both worlds!!! God bless you as you start the next chapter of your life.
Terri & Ray Crane
@ FBC
LikeLike
Thank you, Terri and Ray! Yes, a huge accomplishment for sure! Thank you for your words of encouragement!
LikeLike