Patrick is a team player. Sidelined from cross-country by multiple injuries, he’s taken a new role as the team manager and continues to devote the hours and energy to help his team succeed. Aside from that, he maintains a busy academic and extracurricular schedule, so it was hard to carve out the time to schedule a senior session!

Patrick requested a flag in one of his pictures, which I appreciated, because not that many high school students think of their patriotism when they decide how they want to present themselves. He was also willing to lift his twin brother on his shoulders to get the flag up on the pre-existing nails in the barn, which risked getting him all rumpled at the beginning of his session. Fortunately, no one dropped anyone, and we were able to proceed as planned.

Patrick has a fondness for bow ties in quirky patterns. Today’s pattern featured clams playing banjos. I do regret not taking a close up of that, but we were walking down a slope as he showed me. In fact, he was able to tie the bow tie as we walked down a rather steep trail, dodging roots and slippery rocks as he did so. I was forced to turn my attention to my footing, so I missed the tricky little tuck that comes after you grab the elephant ears and loop the trunk behind.

Nevertheless, he was looking quite dapper in said bow tie and duck boots. The duck boots were a matter of practicality, because I was putting him on fallen trees and in the middle of creeks and such. Needless to say, he was rocking the look.

Best wishes on the rest of your busy senior year, Patrick. If I need a refresher on how to tie a bow tie, I’ll ask you on level ground next time!