Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
Watching your child walk (or run) to get their diploma is one thing. Seeing their teachers give them big bear hugs mixed with happy tears is something entirely different.
On Friday, May 11, the New Castle Christian Preschool (NCCP) conducted their Graduation Ceremony at the Christian Church.
Over 70 parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and friends poured into the sanctuary in anticipation of their little one receiving their diploma.
Running on the overhead screens were myriads of pictures of each child involved in the various things they had learned: how to say their ABC’s, cut, draw, paint, how to dial 911 and quote their home address among other things.
“We also teach good manners and Kindergarten readiness skills,” Director Diane Givens said.
As the ceremony started, the students found their place on stage and started their program by saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Hearts were warmed immediately, as each child folded their hands in front of their faces and bowed their heads.
Each child introduced themselves by saying their name and birthday.
“It is easy to tell how proud they are of knowing so much,” one parent shared with a grin as wide as Texas. “Look how excited they are!”
Director Diane Givens, along with Headteacher Christina Bradley and Aide Crystal Hickson, led in songs and reciting many of the fourteen scriptures they had learned. Some shouted them out proudly while others said them in a sweet whisper.
One of their first songs included the words, “Seeds to trees… so many things grow – grow – grow.” They sang and squatted down and rose slowly, and then jumped up excitedly, imitating growing.
Their singing of songs permeated the room with love and warmth. Diane Givens said that “They sometimes are much quieter, but they sang wonderfully today!”
Throughout the program, loved ones clicked pictures, clapped endlessly and seemed to be mesmerized by the children on stage, especially during the skit.
“We feel a highlight of the graduation program was our enactment of the Bible story of the ‘Lost Sheep,’” Givens shared.
Ten children graduated from New Castle Christian Preschool. As each child came to the stage, emotions arose and tears seemed to sweetly glean on the cheeks of the teachers as each child received their diplomas and hugs. The children corresponded with tight hugs and grins. “We just love every one of these children,” Givens and Bradley said while wiping away tears.
Then, it was announced with emotional words, “We present to you the New Castle Christian Preschool Class of 2018!”
Givens added that they greatly appreciated each teacher for all their dedicated work, the church, Cody Rader and Victor Huffman for helping with the sound system and the parents and family members who came to support each child.
Afterward, everyone gathered in the fellowship room for a graduation party only to find each child had a separate table set up with his or her picture, and a colored butterfly handprint, along with gifts for the graduate. There were bubbles, playdoh, balloons and a unique Bible for each. “We hope this Bible will be a special addition to your home,” Givens said.
The students also received the ‘famous yellow graduation shirt’ which has the names of each child printed on the back. “It has been given each year to the graduates since the school started, over 20 years ago,” Givens said.
“Our class was truly a blessing this year,” Christina Bradley said before adding, “If you would like to consider enrolling your child for next year, they must be four-years-old by September 30. You may contact Diane Givens at (540) 864-5004 for more information.”
Olivia Dudding Slusher shared her feelings on the graduation.
“It feels so unreal. I loved seeing the love that the teachers had towards my child. Watching the teachers being brought to tears was very meaningful. The program and reception were just amazing,” she said. “Seeing my daughter graduate in the same place at the same spot I did at her age was like seeing a tiny piece of my life that I was too small to remember. I am so thankful for all of the hardworking staff that has a passion for teaching our children the story of our Lord.”
