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I was among many to attend the 2026 Hope Elementary Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony, an event noticeably well-planned by the staff. They gym was filled with parents, their other children, grandparents, great-grandparents, relatives, friends, and even sixth graders and their teachers, all there to show support.

The main attraction, in their very prestigious-looking black gowns and caps, were the 74 kindergarten students as they proudly marched around the gym to Pomp and Circumstance with the leadership of their teachers and teacher assistants. There were many smiles and waves from the students and the audience as each found their seat toward the front of the stage. Of course, there were many pictures and videos trying to capture each moment throughout the evening.

Mr. Wheeler, Principal, welcomed all, stated a few words of praise, and then turned the program over to the soon to be graduates. They stood and gleefully did the song by Jack Hartmann, “Spread A Little Sunshine.” The song starts with the following lyrics:

“Spread a little sunshine to start this day off right
I'm gonna spread a little sunshine with my own special light”

Their enthusiastic voices were loud and clear; their motions to the lyrics involving hands, toes, eyes, brain, hands again, and friends were delightful.. The audience expressed their appreciation with a loud applause. Their wonderful teachers obviously had been working on the song with them, and the students obviously enjoyed the opportunity to perform together as a unified group.

Afterward, Mrs. Calender, Dean of Students, called the name of each student as their homeroom teachers, Mrs. Sprinkle, Mrs. Elliot for Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. Becker, and Mrs. Kahlenbeck, greeted their respective classes on the large stage. Mr. Wheeler presented each with a well-deserved diploma. All students handled the steps and the stage well with clapping and other signs of approval coming from the audience.

I was in a position to see each student make their way back to their seat. Their faces were radiant and rightly so. They had accomplished a lot!

Many cookies were enjoyed afterward to enhance the celebration!

There are many reasons to love Hope Elementary and Hauser, and I know the entire Hope Community wishes the kindergarten graduates, sixth grade graduates, and senior graduates the very best as they each move on in their educational and life journeys.

And may all continue to spread a little sunshine!

Note: As a former fifth grade teacher, I can't express enough praise toward preschool and primary teachers since they are responsible for creating the education foundation of our children. One of the best evaluation experiences I had was when allowed, as a part of my personal evaluation, to observe primary teachers in action.