Spring Break 2026

Nana Cyd

My first candle is for someone who has always been there for me — at school, at home, and for all the big and small moments in between. She volunteered at my school and somehow still made time for shopping trips and special days with me. Even though she has so many grandkids, she always makes me feel like I am her favorite (even if we all secretly think that). Her hugs feel safe, and her love feels constant. I am so lucky she lives close and that I get to grow up with her right there beside me.

Nana Cyd, please come up and light candle number 1.

Grandma & Grandpa

These two people may live a little farther away, but are never far from my heart. Even though they're in Virginia, they visit as much as they can, and that means so much to me. Every time they come, I can feel how proud they are. The miles between us never change how close we are. Their stories, their warmth, and their steady love are things I carry with me every day.

Grandma and Grandpa, please come up and light candle number 2.

Auntie Penny & Uncle Todd

This candle is for two people who bring so much personality, energy, and love into every room they walk into. Family gatherings are always more fun when they're there. They know how to make people laugh, but they also know when to be serious and supportive. I feel lucky knowing I can count on them for encouragement and for making every memory a little more fun — and maybe some candy.

Auntie Penny and Uncle Todd, please come up and light candle number 3.

Uncle Jeff & Auntie Lisa

This candle is for two people who have always been part of the important moments in my life. Holidays feel warmer, celebrations feel bigger, and family time feels more complete when they're around. Driving around in old cars and teaching me to play chess! They have a way of making me feel seen and supported, and I'm grateful for their steady love.

Uncle Jeff and Auntie Lisa, please come up and light candle number 4.

Uncle Eddie, Titi Michi Michi, Nyella & Ameris

This candle is for a family that makes every gathering louder, brighter, and more fun. Growing up with cousins means growing up with built-in friends, and that's something really special. Whether we're laughing at something silly or just spending time together playing card games at grandma's, those memories will always matter to me.

Uncle Eddie, Titi Michi Michi, Nyella, and Ameris, please come up and light candle number 5.

Uncle Matt, Aunt Melissa, Sophia & Spencer

This candle is for a family I have shared so many traditions with over the years. From traveling together to celebrating holidays side by side, we've created memories that feel like part of who I am. Our gatherings might be loud and a little chaotic, but that's what makes them unforgettable.

Uncle Matt, Aunt Melissa, Sophia, and Spencer, please come up and light candle number 6.

Uncle Brandon, Auntie Angelique & Brooklyn

This candle is for a family that has shared so many adventures with us my entire life. Whether we're on vacation or celebrating something special — like fighting over the saran wrap ball — or having sleepovers, it always turns into a memory I'll keep. Traditions mean more when you share them with people you truly love.

Uncle Brandon, Auntie Angelique, and Brooklyn, please come up and light candle number 7.

Uncle Brian, Uncle Tommy & Elle

This candle is for people who bring so much laughter and light into our family — especially in Disney! Some people just make everything better by being there, and that's what they do. I've always felt supported, included, and cared about.

Uncle Brian, Uncle Tommy, and Elle, please come up and light candle number 8.

Uncle David, Uncle Greg & Ellie

This candle is for people who have helped shape so many of our family memories — from glaciers in Alaska to swimming with stingrays. Their presence makes events feel complete, and their support means more than they probably know. I'm thankful for the encouragement and love they bring into my life.

Uncle David, Uncle Greg, and Ellie, please come up and light candle number 9.

The Barnett Family

This candle is for a family who truly feels like an extension of our own. Traveling the world together, skiing at my favorite place, shopping, telling stories, and playing games are some of my happiest memories. Their daughters feel more like sisters than friends, and growing up alongside them has meant so much to me.

The Barnett family, please come up and light candle number 10.

Adi, Chris, Emmett & Liam

This candle is for people who are woven into our everyday lives. From Sunday Fundays to random weeknight dinners, we've shared so much time together. They feel like family because they are.

Adi, Chris, Emmett, and Liam, please come up and light candle number 11.

My Friends & Parker

This candle is for my friends — the people who make school days brighter and weekends more fun. Growing up isn't always easy, but it's so much better when you're doing it with people who understand you. From inside jokes to serious talks, we've already created so many memories together and I can't wait to make more.

And for someone very important — growing up with you has given me so many fun memories. Even though we sometimes argue or annoy each other, you always know how to make me laugh. You make life more fun and interesting, and I'm really lucky to have you as my brother. From teaching me that left is right and right is left all the way to fighting over shotgun — I'm glad you're my brother and I'm so glad you're here tonight to celebrate this special moment with me.

All my friends and Parker, please come up and light candle number 12.

My Dads

This last candle is for the most important people in my life. They have been here since January 29th, 2013 in freezing Minnesota all the way to March 6th, 2026 in Florida. From random gifts to watching 9-1-1 every night, they never make me feel unloved. They are truly amazing and I couldn't imagine anyone else to fill the role they play in my life. They hate to go shopping with me yet always say it was a lot of fun to hang out with me right after. I love these people so much and can't imagine my life without them. From traveling the world to just going to family dinners, there is never a boring moment.

Dads, please come up and light candle number 13 with me.