Class of 2036 graduates from kindergarten

Since the past nine months have been a time of rapid transformation and growth for the 50 members of the class of 2036, it was only fitting that one of their final projects was watching caterpillars undergo metamorphosis, first into pupas and finally into brightly colored butterflies.

After their graduation ceremony on May 22, the kindergarteners freed the butterflies in the school front lawn.

“Every year we get caterpillars, and we learn about the butterfly life cycle,” said Katie Hollerich, one of three kindergarten teachers at Cleveland School. “We just thought it would be really cool to release them on graduation day.”

For the ceremony, each class was seated in a semi-circle on the gym floor in front of family and friends. Principal Scott Lusk was the keynote speaker.

“Throughout the year, they have shown remarkable growth and development. They have gained vast amounts of knowledge, remained enthusiastic and blossomed in various ways…We want you to know how incredibly proud we are of you today. Each one of you is exceptional, having worked hard to expand your knowledge, make new friends and demonstrate kindness.”

While Lusk expressed his gratitude to kindergarten teachers Tonja Baker, Karin Miller and Hollerich for helping the kindergarteners grow, not only academically but socially and emotionally as well, he recognized the role of parents in their children’s formation.

“We extend our thanks for entrusting Cleveland Public School with your precious children. Your involvement, support and role modeling have been invaluable in shaping the young minds under our care.”

Before receiving their diplomas, their students performed songs and watched a slideshow of their year on the jumbotron above.

Above: Katie Hollerich and members of her class watch the painted lady butterflies fly away.

Classes were arranged in three semicircles for the graduation ceremony.