This post is about Alex. He needs his own post because he is such a busy young man who rarely takes pictures. Therefore, I have to rely on myself to remember to document his life, and even then he doesn't love taking pictures:).
Alex has always been quite helpful at home, dedicated in school and hard working kid. I am glad that I am seeing more and more of these qualities in him as he is growing up. Like what parent doesn't dream of his/her son asking about what needs to be done instead of just waiting to be asked (told) to help? I am glad Alex is proactive like that, and he is reliable in all his commitments. I like that--not flaky!
Okay, back to Alex. His spring of Junior year of high school was quite a busy season as you can imagine. He took FIVE AP classes somehow and so had to take FIVE AP exams. He did so well on all of them and we are very proud of his results! His ACT scores came back as well, and he is happy that he has a shot at some really awesome opportunities because of it.
In the middle of all the busyness, Alex managed to help me with my Ukrainian relief efforts. Back in April, he participated at the Ukrainian fundraising concert playing a duet with Ani.
And later performed a couple of times on the downtown street in Apex. Every tiny donation counts!
Alex also loves Speech and Debate still. Whenever he manages to squeeze in a tournament between his regattas, he participates. This year speeches still had to be done virtually which was definitely not ideal. Alex did really well and got First place in one of the tournaments.
"I would vote for him" is what I usually get when people learn Alex likes politics. Although, lately, he has been entertaining the idea of going into business instead, and turning to politics later as he is so passionate about it.
This is Alex and Ms. Eckstein, our Speech and Debate teacher/coach. She has seen Katya go through four years of competing and is now enjoying her time with Alex.
Our school is actually pretty amazing when it comes to S&D! I love the group of kids Alex is with when he practices and competes. The cool thing is that Alex actually qualified for NATIONALS in Kentucky, but then it was too big of a commitment to go and we couldn't quite work it out as I was already traveling with Mark to Mobile around those same days.
Of course, rowing takes up a large chunk of Alex's time. He loves his team and the boys in his team.
They still train 4-5 days a week, two and a half hours each time. Alex drives a few friends to and from rowing too.
Regattas are always fun to be at, although it's usually something that Robert enjoys more. He knows the parents, he knows the drill, likes to be freezing by the grill and to spend the whole day outside-hahaha.
So much is going on in his life and I am glad he is managing to balance it all!
Hope he can continue to develop his music, public speaking and athletic skills (even if he is not going to row in college).
Lyana.
