By Shawn Dick, Tulalip News
Smiles, cheers, and proud tears filled the Gathering Hall as 80 preschool students from the Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy celebrated their graduation surrounded by family, friends, and educators.
The graduation ceremony, held on June 3, honored students from 10 preschool classes as they completed an important milestone, earning their first taste of education success. The event highlighted the students’ hard work throughout the school year and gave families an opportunity to recognize their young learner’s growth and achievements.
Dressed in their graduation attire, each student was recognized individually and received a paddle necklace before walking beneath a canoe archway, where they paused for photographs.
Among the proud family members in attendance was Ashton Irving, whose daughter, Daeja Irving, was one of the graduates. “It was a wonderful celebration of the students and their accomplishments. Watching Daeja graduate from preschool was incredibly emotional. It feels as though time is passing so quickly. It is a beautiful reminder of how fast our children grow.”
Caitlin Rea Howlett, mother of graduate Octavia Moses, said, “I thought the graduation was great. I really liked that they all got to walk around together.”
When asked about her daughter’s favorite activities at school, Caitlin said Octavia especially enjoyed arts and crafts and spending time outdoors with her classmates. “The biggest change I could see in Octavia was that she became more confident in herself and a stronger communicator,” she said. “I hope for Octavia to continue to grow with happiness and continue to stay open-minded.”
The ceremony concluded with families congratulating graduates as the students celebrated the completion of preschool. For many parents and caregivers, the event marked not only the end of a school year but also the beginning of a new chapter as their children prepare to enter kindergarten.