"First Day of School! First Day of School!"

Grant started high school today—and he’s not following in his brother TJ’s footsteps at Willow Spring. He’s forging his own path at Cardinal Gibbons. Sending him to a Catholic private school 35 minutes away was a hard choice, and I had my doubts along the way. But today, seeing him dive in and embrace this new chapter, I can clearly see it was the right decision.

Grant needs to be challenged academically. He’s smart—sometimes smarter than his own teachers. Last year, he flew through two grade levels of math and scored in the 98th percentile on his EOG tests. When he isn’t challenged, he acts up—just ask his social studies teacher, Mr. Oates. While Willow Spring would have been comfortable, we knew Grant would thrive surrounded by peers who cared as much about learning as he does and by teachers who would push him to excel. A place where college is expected, not optional—and where the world beyond North Carolina feels within reach.

This new chapter is also a shift for me. The drive to Cardinal Gibbons is long, and it requires a new level of commitment in my daily schedule. No more lingering mornings. I’m up early, part of the carpool rush, and off to work—staying until Grant’s school day is done, post-practice. Change is hard, but I’m trying to embrace it.

Grant jumped in without hesitation. He started a full week before most of his neighborhood friends and joined the cross-country team. He’d already been training with the team for a month, so he had a head start on building relationships. His first meet—the Pace Yourself Early Bird Challenge—was impressive. For his first high school race, he placed 3rd among all 9th graders in a field of 300 runners, 45th overall, and 5th on his team. Way to set the tone, Grant! I couldn’t be prouder.

Grant is stepping into a new chapter, and today was just the beginning. I hope he takes full advantage of the challenges, friendships, and opportunities ahead. This new routine—long drives, early mornings, and carpool chaos—is a small price to pay to watch him grow. I’m excited to see him carve his own path, make his own choices, and fully embrace the privilege of this experience. 

High school is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see how he makes it his own.