Alongside her adoptive parents and my own mother, I’m honored to...

Alongside her adoptive parents and my own mother, I’m honored to witness another milestone moment for Laurie: graduation from the Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident College. She made the Dean’s List every quarter while working at least one full-time job in food & bev: five different types of cuisine at either legacy restaurants or brand-new restaurants. She worked front-of-house and back-of-house—even an externship where she was the only female sushi chef in Charleston. (All while rocking various shades of red, green, blue or purple hair color.) Laurie, I am overwhelmingly lucky to be one of the family members cheering you along this journey…and onto the graduation stage. You succeeded with flying colors and we’re so very proud of you! (North Charleston Coliseum)