BY AMANDA MOSES
Students in the Starrett Early Learning Center (SELC) hosted a series of graduations from June 16th until June 23rd, where children in 3K stepped to pre-kindergarten, and pre-kindergarteners moved on up to kindergarten.
“Welcome to the stepping up celebration for the class of 2023,” each teacher announced at the beginning of the stepping-up ceremonies. One by one, the children marched to their seats dressed in their very best attire as dozens of parents and family members whipped out their phones to capture this moment in time.
For SELC Executive Director, Tammy Moore these ceremonies represent the beginning of a child’s journey rather than the end. While the road toward graduation was not easy, each of the students learned the foundational skills necessary to take them on their next level of learning. Whether that’s the days of the week or the ability to sit in place while listening to their instructors. Manners and self-awareness, friendship and teamwork, were all lessons taught at the SELC.
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men and women,” Moore said, reciting her favorite quote from Frederick Douglass.
Moore has often stressed the adage, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and she reminded parents that their children’s education starts at home, and they must continue to read and engage with them over the summer.
The ceremonies ended with the distribution of certificates, and fun dancing and eating cupcakes together.
Photos by Amanda Moses
