The words affixed to a wall under a gold-lettered “congratulations” banner – “One day when I grow up I want to be …” – were just part of the special atmosphere at the Lollipop Learning Center in Johnston last Friday night.
It was the Pre-K Graduation Day ceremony, and Maria Evangelista – with help from teachers Emily Weidele and Nicole Gaskin, and nurse Janet Foley – made sure the class will have lasting memories of the first step in their educational journey.
While there were many highlights to the ceremony – including the children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing several special songs – people were impressed with the youngsters’ answers to the query posed under the banner.
“It was certainly interesting,” said Evangelista, who opened Lollipop Learning Center four years ago and announced that the facility will again expand. “Their answers were interesting … superhero, doctor, sprinkler man, police officer, firefighter, nurse, and teacher.”
The staff photographed each child, dressed in their caps and gowns, holding their responses. Evangelista said the photos were made into 11-by-14 posters that were framed and hung in the room during the graduation ceremony.
“Our teachers spent many countless hours preparing for the ceremony,” Evangelista said. “They worked really hard helping the children learn four graduation songs and one poem they recited tonight.”
Dressed in traditional caps and gowns, a total of seven students – Oliver Holmes, Jason Larkin, Avery Cavanagh, Charlotte Vangei, Julianna Pimental, Owen Josefson, and Wyatt Loxley – made their way into a large room amid the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance.”
“Most of the graduates have been with us since they were young toddlers,” Evangelista said. “It has been an honor caring for these amazing children. Their love to learn is a skill that will help them as they progress with their education.”
Evangelista, who owns and operates Lollipop Learning Center with her husband Paul, went on: “Looking ahead, our children are well-equipped to take the next step of their educational lives. They have strong foundations and we fell very confident that we have given them a great start. They have learned many priceless lessons.”
Evangelista also thanked the “wonderful staff for everything you do each and every day,” and “all the parents who have willingly given their time volunteering, attending activities, and raised such wonderful children.”
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