St Mark’s Preschool Graduation, Next Stop, Kindergarten!

On Wednesday, May 17 at 6 PM, the St. Mark’s sanctuary was filled with excited, camera-ready parents and family members anticipating the graduation march of

their five-year-olds. While parents waited anxiously, the dedicated teachers hurried to make sure every graduate had their cap and gown on perfectly and were lined up in their proper places, but with 33 little ones, these teachers were ready for the unexpected; especially when nine students all had to “go to the bathroom” right at show time.

“I’ve done this before,” explains the seemingly un-phased Connor Rice amid the chaos. “We had to do this same

thing for the Christmas Pageant. I’m used to waiting. Today is a big day. I have on a tie and a belt.”

Shortly after 6 PM,

the preschoolers made their way down the aisle and took their places on stage. Director Peggy Totten led the children in performing three songs: “Love Grows,” “Mi Cuerpo,” and “Hola Hola I Say Hi.”

The children then lined up to receive their diplomas from Father Kyle Bennett after their teachers had

announced their names. Each child stopped to give a hug to their teacher and pause for a photo-op for the proud parents.

“This marks our sixth

preschool graduation at St. Mark’s. All our students are special. Each year, I tell myself that I’m not going to cry, but this has been an especially tough year for one of our students,” explains Miss Monica. “Wilfrid Ramirez was diagnosed with leukemia right after enrolling at St. Mark’s. He has been undergoing chemotherapy all year. Today, he is doing well, but he will be facing seven more years of treatments.”

Following the graduation ceremony, the celebration continued with a potluck dinner.

For more information on St. Mark’s Preschool call 239-394-7242, ext. 95.