Class of 2021 graduates from preschool


 

PINE PLAINS — More than 80 parents, grandparents and friends watched 11 preschool students graduate from the Pine Plains Preschool Friday night at the Lion’s Pavilion.

The children happily and cheerily performed "Do Your Ears Hang Low," "The Bus Song" and "The Hungry Caterpillar."

After the performance, as "Pomp and Circumstance" played through a boom box, the children accepted their diplomas.

Parents rushed the stage with cameras to take pictures as their children basked in the glory of their accomplishments.

Preschool teacher Marylyn Schmidt said she is proud of her students.

"It’s a celebration of all the activities, fun and things they learned this year," Schmidt said. "They’ve all learned their readiness skills for kindergarten. I’m sad to see them go because I’ve gotten attached to them."

Schmidt started teaching at the school in 1974, two years after it was founded.

"I’ve had quite a few of their parents, so it’s nice to see their children," Schmidt said. "I’m proud of them. They all did well."

Debbie Ashby, parent of a graduate, Erin, said she was proud of her daughter.

"For their future, they have a lot of work ahead of them," Ashby said. "I do hope they have it a little easier than us."

Teacher Donna Hill said it was a pleasure teaching the class of 2021.

"This has been a really nice class and it has been a lot of fun," Hill said. "I have been doing this for 21 years. We hope that they are more than ready for school and that they have a very successful year. We hope they just have some fun. I’m going to miss them because they are all special."

Each graduate received a "Silly Sally Just For Fun" award. Erin Nicole Ashby received the "Land of Many Colors" award; Ryan Brandt received the "Evel Knieval" award; Rebecca Ashley Bronzi received the "Martha Stewart" award; Julian Kristopher Couse received the "Little Boy with a Drum" award; Emma Cunliffe received the "Madeline, Good Friend" award; Matthew Joseph Damon received the "Three Little Pigs" award; Nolan Scott Koslowski received the "Curious George" award; Evan Alexander McCarthy received the "Easy Rider" award; Caroline Jane Oehl received the "If You Give a Mouse A Cookie" award; Jayden Anthony Silvia received the "Mike Mulligan" award; and Kristiana Nicole Wilson received the "Mother Hen" award.

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