sOn May 24, six Little Lancers attended preschool for the last time. Parents and friends of the Little Lancers watched as the six-year-olds marched onto the stage in their robes, celebrating their graduation from preschool.

This graduation ceremony recognizes the Little Lancers advancing to Kindergarten and the seniors who received their 45 or 90 hour certificates. These certificates, distributed by the Career and Technology Education department with an agreement with FCC Child Development Courses, enables students to teach preschool in the state of Maryland.

“Six of our Little Lancers are going to kindergarten, but more importantly, we’re graduating the biggest class of Child Development seniors,” said Child Development teacher Kate Lane.

The ceremony began with all of the children marching to the stage and saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Lane then informed the parents of the accomplishments made by the program, children, and teachers during this school year. Certificates were awarded and, after the short but sweet ceremony, Lane presented an emotional slideshow of pictures of the children throughout the 2015-2016 school year.

“Child Development has solidified my future as an early childhood educator, and although I’m going to miss the friends I’ve made (both small and little), I can end my junior year with good memories,” said Child Development 3 student junior Erin Lafferty.

Child Development 3 student Lauren Thompson agrees with Lafferty saying, “Child Development has played a big role in my high school experience. . . I’ll miss the engaging classroom atmosphere and the smiling Little Lancers. It feels good to know that because of my work in high school I will always have a safety net to fall on if things gets bumpy in the future.”

After the ceremony, a farewell party was held in the preschool classroom. Although most teachers had said their farewells during the last day of preschool on May 20, it was a bittersweet ending for Lane and her future early childhood educators.