Potomac Elementary School eighth graders take the stage as part of their graduation ceremony.
First Grade Teacher Terri Klein and eighth grade teacher Damian Gaglia present Potomac Elementary School eighth grader Leah Nelson with her diploma as part of her graduation ceremony.
Pre-kindergarten teacher Bryanna Peterson hands kindergartener Johnathan Langley graduation prizes while classmates Ella Hathaway and Harley Holliday watch.
Potomac Elementary School eighth grader Lily Van Grinsven holds the Citizenship Award and the Pioneer Award she received at her graduation ceremony.
Brynn Nordberg hugs a Potomac Elementary School staff member as she finishes her time at the school following her graduation ceremony.
POTOMAC - Potomac Elementary School eighth graders and kindergartners concluded important life stages following their graduation ceremony Wednesday, June 9 at the Potomac Greenough Community Center.
In his opening speech Principal John Rouse acknowledged the inquisitiveness of this year's group of kindergarteners.
"They come here with a sense of curiosity," Rouse said. "A sense of curiosity which is evidenced through unending questions. Well, we hope we kept it alive and we believe we did. ... We're looking forward to their experiences in the following years."
Preschool teacher Bryanna Peterson and kindergarten teacher Lauren Wilson gave out awards and asked every student what their favorite parts of kindergarten were. Answers included playing outside, lunch, playing with iPads, reading and having fun.
"I could not have asked for a better group of kids for my first year of teaching and I will miss them all very dearly," Wilson said. "I'm super proud of them."
The graduation then shifted to the eighth graders' ceremony. Eighth grade teacher Damian Gaglia and seventh grade teacher Kristina Davis announced Lily Van Grinsven as the winner of both the Citizenship Award and the Pioneer Award.
The Citizenship Award is given to a student who has a kind, positive, respectful and responsible attitude. The Pioneer Award is given to an eighth grader who outstandingly exemplifies dedication to academics, self-improvement, leadership and athletics as well as someone who can find the best in their peers and in life.
First grade teacher Terri Klein, instructional coach Sarah Schmill and Gaglia then distributed diplomas to the graduating students. During this portion they read aloud each student's favorite memory and what they are looking forward to most in high school.
Multiple students expressed appreciation for growing up in a small school and having more intimate class sizes. Many also said that their favorite memory was their recent trip to Canyonlands National Park.
Several students said they looked forward to making new friends and trying out new sports once they enter high school.
"This is my fourth year here," Rouse said. "All of us here have seen a lot of growth [among the students] ... which is exciting to see."
Reader Comments(0)