An immense sense of pride flowed through the mind of Kristen Northrup as she watched her first-born child cross the stage as a Dripping Springs High graduate Friday.

The moment was the culmination of 12 years of hard work and the achievement of moving on into the next stage of life.

Before the caps, gowns and accoutrements comes months of planning, and sometimes even saving, to ensure students are prepared to graduate. While it can be stressful, Northrup said taking the time to enjoy all the sen...