After days of preparation and celebration, graduation day finally came bright and early — we headed over to the girls’ dorm at six in the morning to help them get ready! The aunties tied saris while the volunteers handled hair and makeup. Despite the early hour, we had music pumping and everyone’s spirits were up. Ashley and Lizzy even pulled off some dance moves while curling Jancy’s hair (not recommended for those of you at home:
(Of course, all photos by the ceaselessly-talented Kate Lord)
Each sari was tied just so. You think you put a lot of work into your graduation-day look? These girls had all hands on deck ensuring every pleat was in place:
Someone decided it was OK for me to work on hair (ha), but luckily I didn’t ruin anything. 
Finally, all the girls were ready and headed over to the school building to meet up with the boys. After an hour of parents watching anxiously and many congratulatory speeches, the graduates finally took to the stage, one by one, and received their high school diplomas: 
Finally graduated, the class stands for a photo with Dr. Abraham George, Mariam George, and Ajit George:
Afterward, the graduates mingled with their families and had a special lunch, but then most had to pack; half of them started college this week! The goodbye was long and heart-wrenching, with more tears than smiles — but in the end, everyone knew the graduates were off to start the rest of their lives.
(Yes, their van is a converted ambulance. You wish you were this cool.)
