Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Nederland. The Nederland Elementary Kindergarten classes are nearing the end of their year. They celebrated with the annual Kindergarten Continuation ceremony. Kindergarten teacher Mary Waddell welcomed parents, grandparents and siblings. The students read a poem and sang two songs. As you can guess, it was adorable. Families cheered with pride as they saw their little ones perform.

Each student stood in front of the crowd and said what they want to do when they grow up and how they want to bring something positive to the world. Ms. Mary and Principal Laurel Reckert then presented a certificate to each student. Smiles, and maybe even a few tears of joy, filled the room. First grade, here they come!††

Afternoon Kindergarten class: Zaydren Brooks, Cadence Case, Benjamin Collins, Kezidek Coronna, Nixon Dodge, Sandra Dulude, Alan Greentree, Claire Hambourger, Nora Howell, Rowan Leavens, Kathryn Marold, Reino Pietrykowski, Kellan Rioux, Maisie Schaub, Evan Troy, Luna Weeks, Darius Wyatt.

Morning Kindergarten class: Ever Benson, Kaya Clymer, Silas Fitzer, Logan Garrison, Luke Gilmour, Hayes Jarril, Stephanie Jarril, Keegan Kafka, Felix Lammers van Toorenburg, Moira O’Brien, Scarlett O’Nuallain, Jade Padmore, Soren Stanton, Declan Thompson, Ronin Whitaker. 

(Originally published in the May 23, 2019, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)