On Thursday, June 4th 2009, eager parents filed into Avalon’s Monolithic dome gym to see their sons and daughters graduate….from kindergarten! The beautiful young ladies and handsome young men were stunning in their formal attire and graduation caps as they entered the gym.

After being seated, the students showed of the skills that they’ve learned by reading the play “The Glum Princess” to the audience. After each student read, they told the audience filled with family and friends what they wanted to be when they grow up. There was a wide variety of occupations that the children wanted to be, from the traditional police officers, teachers and doctors to the inventive trash man and make-up artist.

Elementary principal, Margret Day told the audience that the Kindergarten Class of 2009 made Avalon history. This was the first year for Avalon to ever have two graduating kindergarten classes. The students were delighted with this accomplishment.

Principal Day wanted to share with the students her favorite poem, “Great Expectations”.

Great Expectations

It’s time to say good-bye.
Our class has come to an end.
I’ve made more cherished memories
And many more friends.

I’ve watched your children learn and grow
And change from day to day.
I hope that all the things we’ve done
Have helped in some small way.

So it’s with happy memories
I send them out the door,
With great hope and expectations
For what next year holds in store.

After a final farewell from Ms. Durrett and Ms. Low, both classes stood to began their last walk as a kindergarten student. Each student, one by one, climbed the stairs and received their “diplomas” with huge grins. Applauses and cheers had all the students floating on cloud nine.

Miss Day closed the ceremony by saying, “Parents, it’s been a wonderful year and we can’t wait for many more. Students, have a safe, fun summer and we are looking forward to having you back again next year.”

With that ending statement, the graduates were allowed to congregate in the concession area of the dome and have birthday cake!

For Kindergarten graduate Melany Hernandez, this day was extra special…not only did she graduate, it was her birthday. Melany couldn’t see celebrating her birthday without help from her classmates. She shared cake, cookies, cupcakes and punch with everyone that attended the ceremony.

With cake and diplomas in hand, Avalon’s Kindergarten class of 2009 started their summer off right.