YMCA Preschool Graduation

The Montecito Family YMCA Pre-School 2019 Graduation took place on Tuesday June 4 at 6:15 pm in their Program Center. The grads, with handmade caps on, performed three songs and recited nursery rhymes for their families in the audience. 

They received diplomas from their teacher, Annie Fischer, Preschool Director, who said, “This is my twenty-eighth year teaching at the Y. These children have grown so much. Throughout the year, intentional, engaging and challenging activities that were play-based offered the children what they needed to prepare for the rigors of Kindergarten. We are so proud of our students. They have become caring, kind, and collectively minded little people. As they pray each day, thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat, thank you for the birds that sing, thank you God for everything! We are grateful for another wonderful year!”

Teaching with Ms. Fischer is Lauren Gartrell and teacher assistants are Ruth Ambriz and Janet Langley.

El Montecito Early School Graduation

The El Montecito Early School 2019 graduation held two graduation ceremonies on Friday, June 7 at 1 pm in the El Montecito Church Sanctuary.Following prayers and speeches, School Director Miss Suzy Dobreski called each student by name to the podium where the meaning of their name, a personalized scripture passage, and what they want to be when they grow up was read by the teachers, along with receiving their diploma. The teachers are: Sea Otter Teachers Miss Lisa and Miss Haley, Sea Star Teacher Miss Jenna, Dolphins Teacher Miss Monica, Sea Turtle Teacher Miss Melanie and Jellyfish Teacher Miss Casey. Ceremony music was performed by Emily Sommermann on violin and Brandon Kinalele on ukulele.

Miss Suzy said, “As we stand on the brink of transition from preschool to kindergarten, we had the privilege of teaching your children the social graces, emotional well-being and academic, with the Lord Jesus as the most important building block. I applaud the parents for their support in the education of their children. We are better together, we are strong, we are ELMO.”

Closing the ceremony the graduates sang “Promise To Be.” They received a Bible from Miss Suzy. A reception was held in the Parish Hall.

Laguna Blanca Lower School Graduation 

The Laguna Blanca Lower School Fourth Grade 2019 Graduation was held at the Lower School Campus on Thursday, June 6 at 9 am. Present were the Head of Laguna Blanca School Rob Hereford, Chair of the Board of Trustees Hani Zeini, Head of the Lower School Andy Surber,and fourth grade teacher Farrah Martin, instructional assistant Ursula Chan,and members of the Lower School Faculty.

The graduates performed “Bouffons” by Thoinot Arbeau and their rock band performed “Paranoid.” Following the presentation of certificates and the graduates parachute performance to “You Raise Me Up,” a short reception was held.

Andy Surber said, “This is a special fourth grade class. It is made up of athletes, performers, problem solvers, creative thinkers, and overall amazing people. They are leaving a lasting impact on our campus with their sense of humor, grit, and persistence. Our faculty and staff wish this class the best as they continue their Laguna Blanca education on the Hope Ranch Campus.”