Tiffani would hold up a sign she made and Colby would shake his head. He may have been a little embarrassed but he knows how much he is loved.
Colby is always kind and pushed one of classmates wheelchair into the amphitheater.
The Cedar Hills Heritage Park was an idyllic setting for the graduation.
The mayor of Cedar Hills and a N.O.V.A police officer spoke. Colby really liked the police officer that came to his school, they call him DT. I wasn't familiar with N.O.V.A. but it's similar the D.A.R.E program that Chris and Mark had in elementary school.
N.O.V.A. Principles is a program taught by uniformed law enforcement officers who encourage positive development and growth.
5 Core Principles
Accountability: I own my thoughts, feelings, choices, and actions.
Positivity: When I choose Positivity I experience success and happiness.
Knowledge: Knowledge creates opportunities.
Work: The path to excellence requires work.
Respect: I respect myself, others, and everything around me.
Positivity: When I choose Positivity I experience success and happiness.
Knowledge: Knowledge creates opportunities.
Work: The path to excellence requires work.
Respect: I respect myself, others, and everything around me.
The NOVA Lone Wolf
I courageously stand against those who want me to do wrong.
STS: Study the Situation.
The Cause and Effect: When I do or do not do something, something happens.
The Paradigm: How I see things.
True Colors: What is right is right and what is wrong is wrong.
Lifetime Decisions: Good decisions I make now and forever.
Which Wolf Am I Feeding: Which wolf is stronger? The one I feed.
Fire: Some say fire is good, others say it is bad, in reality fire is powerful.
Harvest: What I put in is what I get out.
Initiative: I proactively look for what needs to be done and do it.
The Cause and Effect: When I do or do not do something, something happens.
The Paradigm: How I see things.
True Colors: What is right is right and what is wrong is wrong.
Lifetime Decisions: Good decisions I make now and forever.
Which Wolf Am I Feeding: Which wolf is stronger? The one I feed.
Fire: Some say fire is good, others say it is bad, in reality fire is powerful.
Harvest: What I put in is what I get out.
Initiative: I proactively look for what needs to be done and do it.
Colby wrote an essay about the N.O.V.A program and was selected to read it at the graduation. He delivered his message with confidence and feeling. He got an award too!
Nurturing ~ Opportunities ~ Values ~ Accountability
Colby's essay...
Throughout N.O.V.A. program I gained many valuable insights that are preparing me for the rest of my life. One of the most important things I want to take away from N.O.V.A. is the idea of holding myself to a higher standard.
It’s easy to follow the crowd and get caught up in situations that aren’t the best for me.
But through N.O.V.A. I’ve learned that it’s crucial to stand strong and stay true to my values even when things get tough.
One of my goals is to act independently, to be a lone wolf.
Another lessons I’ve taken to heart is the importance of staying away from drugs and tobacco. Drugs can destroy lives often starting from just a small mistake or a moment of weakness. They can lead to addiction, poor decision making, and often have devasting consequences.
One of things I want to be is a hero, a positive influence on those around me. A hero isn’t someone who is perfect, who always gets it right, but someone who tries their best to inspire others to be better.
I want to set the example by living a drug free life and encouraging my friends and peers to do the same.
One of the most powerful lessons DT taught us was the importance of maturity. He stressed that we should aim to be at a little pre-maturity level and not too far.
To me this means acting in responsible and respectful way but also thinking about how our actions impact others.
It’s about doing the right thing even when no one is watching, making sure my behavior aligns with my values that I believe in.
Colby Mark Williams
May 21, 2025
Throughout N.O.V.A. program I gained many valuable insights that are preparing me for the rest of my life. One of the most important things I want to take away from N.O.V.A. is the idea of holding myself to a higher standard.
It’s easy to follow the crowd and get caught up in situations that aren’t the best for me.
But through N.O.V.A. I’ve learned that it’s crucial to stand strong and stay true to my values even when things get tough.
One of my goals is to act independently, to be a lone wolf.
Another lessons I’ve taken to heart is the importance of staying away from drugs and tobacco. Drugs can destroy lives often starting from just a small mistake or a moment of weakness. They can lead to addiction, poor decision making, and often have devasting consequences.
One of things I want to be is a hero, a positive influence on those around me. A hero isn’t someone who is perfect, who always gets it right, but someone who tries their best to inspire others to be better.
I want to set the example by living a drug free life and encouraging my friends and peers to do the same.
One of the most powerful lessons DT taught us was the importance of maturity. He stressed that we should aim to be at a little pre-maturity level and not too far.
To me this means acting in responsible and respectful way but also thinking about how our actions impact others.
It’s about doing the right thing even when no one is watching, making sure my behavior aligns with my values that I believe in.
Colby Mark Williams
May 21, 2025
And there he goes, off to junior high!
I could not be more proud of our Colby. He is polite, a loving brother, he never demands anything, and is grateful. Colby is respectful and just a whole lot of fun! I love him with all my heart. I know that growing up happens in a heartbeat, so I'll keep savoring every moment.
Last day of school award, I think this might just happen!
Colby wasn't our first graduate, just for fun here are pictures from Cash and Grahm's Kindergarten graduation.
