Michael Lassman was 13 years old when Elly Bennett was born, and he has been paternalistic to his half sister ever since. It was no surprise that he wanted to go along to her graduation from Georgetown University Law Center. He joined Nancy and Gary and I in Lancaster on Saturday, May 19, 2013, for the ride to the Marriott Residence Inn in  Dupont Circle on P Street, Washington, DC, arriving about 5 PM.

Elly came with her childhood-through-high school friends Liz and Lauren, and Liz’s friend Dan, for dinner at Scion next door. We learned that Elly would be awarded Magna Cum Laude honors at Commencement 2013, and enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate together the culmination of her stellar academic career. Michael accompanied Elly and her friends downtown, but I went back to the hotel to rest up for the big day ahead.

On Sunday we left the hotel about 10 AM for a taxi ride to the Mall, touring the Natural History Museum until it was time for the National Gallery of Art to open at 11 AM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The drizzle ended early, and after lunch at the Gallery we returned to the hotel to dress for the ceremonies and to pack up for the return to Lancaster. At 2 PM we taxied about 2 miles through Georgetown to the University, and after much waiting around, walked to O’Donovan Hall where the Diploma Presentation Ceremony was to be held for Section 3, Curriculum B, the theoretical section.

We met Jon Thomson and his family here, and Elly gave us details on where she and Jon were sitting.

Elly and Jon and many in the class had rebelled at the cost of renting the Law Center caps and gowns, and instead donated that money to the Washington Food Bank.

Nancy rushed to the other side of the hall to catch photos of Elly receiving her degree.

 

Jon waited in line in alphabetical order to receive his degree.

After the ceremony we took these photographs to remember the momentous day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are all very proud of the outstanding person that Elly has become, and of the achievements that her talent, hard work, and perseverance have brought.

Michael walked back to the hotel for the car, and we returned to Lancaster, stopping at Hunt Valley for supper. It was an exhilarating weekend for all of us, and we basked in the glow of being together for a very important event.