Pre-K Graduates with Honors 2

Students at St. Albans’s, a non-sectarian preschool in Oakland, made their way down the aisle to the applause of hundreds who packed the seats for this special graduation ceremony. The students were decked out in “homemade” graduation caps, and lined up orderly in front of the enthusiastic crowd. It was an afternoon for all the kids taking a step forward in the never ending journey of learning, but it was especially bitter sweet for the students who will be going off to kindergarten next year.

There are many who might think that graduation ceremonies like this one border on the silly side with parents, and grandparents, jostling for space so they can get that photo of the future scholar walking down the aisle. But is it anymore silly than the flood of reality based talent shows that are growing like weeds on television? It’s a much better investment in time to celebrate our own local celebrities and stars.

Prior to receiving their diplomas from the prinicpal, Miss Teresa, the students showed off their vocal skills with a touching rendition of “It’s a Small World.”, followed by a rock n’ roll favorite, “Surfin’ USA.” Some of them were singing at the top of their lungs, while others were more comfortable just going through the motions. It can be reported that there was no crying, not unplanned potty breaks, and all graduates were at the top of their game. While family and friends resisted the temptaion for applause until all students had received their “sheepskin”, each child’s name was called out and Ms. Thersea handed them their diploma.

It’s not so silly to take an afternoon off to appreciate a fleeting moment. They were babies, then toddlers, and now little boys and girls proud of their new achievements. Soon enough they will be young men and women graduating from high school. So it may seem silly, but a lot of the best things in life are silly, fun and memorable. To all the graduates at St. Alban’s Pre-school, and their teachers,—Thanks for The Memories