Graduation Congregational
Count Dooku’s final day of kindergarten was last Wednesday. We received a note several days prior stating there would be a kindergarten program that day. I was hoping this wouldn’t end up being a “graduation” ceremony because I think like Mr. Incredible in that respect.
Bob Parr: It’s not a graduation. He’s moving from the 4th grade to the 5th grade.
Helen Parr: It’s a ceremony.
Bob Parr: It’s psychotic!
I think the graduation ceremony should be something really special, saved only for seniors, for the kids to look forward to all through school. Anyway, I arrived at the school at 9:15 and went into the auditorium to find seating was already very limited, but I managed to squeeze in to the middle of a row. The children came up on stage as the crowd clapped and proceeded to sing eight different little songs in English and Spanish. After that, the school principle got up to make some closing remarks. Here is where Count Dooku’s kindergarten program, became a cultural experience for this little white girl from the midwest.
Principle: We are gathered here today, to celebrate these glorious little children, in their kindergarten graduations
Some of the crowd:Mm Hmm.
Principle:And to commend them (pause)
Some of the crowd: Mm Hmm.
Principle: For their efforts, at school this year.
The Principle’s voice seemed to increase in volume right before a pause, after which would immediately follow a chorus of satisfied Mmm Hmmm’s. But the best was yet to come.
Principle: You children, you are graduating from Kindergarten today. But are you going to settle, for just a Kindergarten education? No!
Crowd: Mmmm Hmmmmmm.
Principle: Someday you’ll graduate from sixth grade, but are you going to settle for just a sixth grade education? No!
Crowd: Mmmm Hmmm.
Principle: Someday, you’ll be graduating from High School. (Dramatic Pause) But are you going to settle for a High School Education?!?
Crowd: Mmm mmmmm. (some shouts of No way!)
Principle: You’re going to go on to college! And someday, you’re going to graduate from college. But are you going to settle for a college education?
Crowd: NO!
Principle: That’s right. After college, you’re going to go to graduate school! Yes, moms and dads, we have DOCTORS! and LAWYERs! and SCIENTISTS! and TEACHERS! and FORTUNE 500! BUSINESS! OWNERS! ON!THIS! STAGE!
The crowd simultaneously leapt to their feet, erupting in deafening cheers and clapping. It was absolutely the most contagious enthusiasm I have ever experienced and I found myself clapping and smiling as I watched those children on stage absolutely beaming from this wild attention and encouragement. I shook my head in wonder as I thought of the amazing cultural differences that exist in different parts of America, without which life is not nearly as interesting. I’d have to say that was the most exciting school program I’ve ever been too, and Count Dooku and I both loved it.
:heart: 
In my area of town it’s “burger flippers! Welfare mooches! Circus freaks! And grocery baggerrrrrs! Woo-hoo!”
Memarie Lanes last blog post..Men: How to be a Sex God (PG-13, or maybe R?)
Wow, that’s one way to get kids (and parents) motivated. We don’t have any kind of special program or graduation here for kindergarten. Kind of sounds like we’ve missed out. :)
Deb - Mom of 3 Girlss last blog post..Monday Memes
OMG - sounds so inspirational! Though I must say I’d appreciate a principal who takes his job and charges THAT seriously . . .
Janes last blog post..The Accident
That is so brilliant!!
Kimberlys last blog post..Dad-Ness
He he, loved the Incredibles quote! I totally agree that it’s ridiculous to celebrate all these little kids “graduating.” At my sons pre-school “graduation” (and he still has one more year…) I just kept wondering why they couldn’t call it an end of year program or something. Our kids are way too entitled…
What an awesome principal! Love it!
Leslies last blog post..Housekeeping?
Yeah, and I wonder how many of them will remember that moment…or the cake afterwards…
Dapoppinss last blog post..Gassed out.
I kind of agree, are the kids even going to remember it? I can hardly remember my fifth grade graduation, and what I do remember is only sparked by the couple pictures my parents took (with my embarrassing side ponytail and all!). I’m with you and Mr. Incredible on this one - save the graduations for *real* graduations.
But wow, what a trip. Sounds like a definite experience!! Glad it was fun for everyone! :)
I’m in the “Mr Incredibles” boat on graduations like this… but it does sound like it was a lot of fun :)
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That man knows how to give a speech! I love it. The new design looks fabulous.
JaniceNWs last blog post..How To Raise An Almost Man
Wow, what a pep talk!
kailanis last blog post..Sesame Street Live! in Hawaii
What a great speech! And what a great culture back there. Folks don’t just sit there like a ‘bump on a log’. They get right in there and participate. Love it! Love it!
Dappopins and Becky, I agree that the kids aren’t likely to remember the speech but I think it was more for the motivation of the parents. We live in a near inner city community which sadly means many of the kids have only one parent in the home or are being raised by other relatives, and education is often put on the backburner in favor of just working hard enough to survive. Or sometimes, sadly, to pay for drugs and alcohol.
Hopefully one or two of the kids will remember something of his speech and know that they can choose better for themselves someday.
Talk about taking your job seriously. That’s amazing! I bet the kids felt so special.
Lauries last blog post..Lolly Jane Boutique by Kelli
Wow! That sounds almost funny. My Alexys had a kindergarten graduation this year and it was just like a mini regular graduation with a keynote speaker, someone from the school district board that no one knows or really cares about. I died, it was boring!!! And with two restless little ones on my lap, I was wishing we could skip her. The kids were cute so it was worth going to but I’m with you, and Mr. Incredible. Let’s not over do the graduating thing. Congratulations on your little guys graduation though. Does it make you feel old to have a 1st grader now? My oldest will be in Jr. High this fall. It’s weird that he keeps getting older but I’m still in my mid 20’s…..