On Thursday we were at the Slippery Rock University Multipurpose Room. We were scheduled to perform for the Center Township 6th Grade Graduation banquet. This was our 9th consecutive year in providing entertainment for this event. This year’s event was a Luau theme with grass huts, palm trees, water falls and each student given a lei as they entered the hall.
The evening started out with a photo montage of the students being played while guests arrived. At 6:00 pm, Banquet Co-chairperson Heather Hinkle welcomed everyone and the thanked committee members that helped plan & organize the event. Guests then enjoyed a meal that was catered by S.R.U. dining services.
After dinner, Principal Roger Snodgrass spoke to the graduating class and offered words of advice & encouragement. During his speech, Principal Snodgrass mentioned the song “Your Going to Miss This” by Trace Adkins and explained to his students to always remember how quickly time passes and to cherish every day.
Principal Snodgrass then turned the microphone over to each of the 6th grade teachers who introduced their graduating classes and handed out diplomas & academic awards. The 6th grade teaching staff is:
- Miss Dana Leyland
- Ms. Connie Swidzinski
- Mrs. Audray Muscatello
- Mrs. Lori Williams
After the presentation of diplomas & academic awards, we opened up the dance floor and by this time the kids were ready to PARTY! As in previous years, the Center Township PTO provided party props for each of the kids in attendance. There were Maracas, Black gangster Hats, Cool Sunglasses, Beachcomber Hats and Blowup Guitars. Throughout the evening kids would trade in special tickets for a party prop which was coordinated to go with a particular song.
In addition to party props, the kids also had a chance to participate in several contests where they could win some really cool prizes. Later in the evening we held a father – daughter dance followed by a mother – son dance. There were a few tears and a lot of laughter from both the parents and their children.
The event ended around 10:45 pm as we played the last dance which was the song Principal Snodgrass mentioned earlier in the evening; “Your Going To Miss This”. It was the perfect ending to a perfect evening.
Below is a letter from Principal Roger Snodgrass to the graduating class:
Dear Sixth Grade Class of 2009,
On behalf of our entire staff at Center Township Elementary School, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our sixth grade class for reaching their first educational milestone…”Sixth Grade Graduation”.
During the past seven years, you have attended school faithfully, completed countless pages of homework, and made lasting friendships with each other and the teachers that have guided you to this point in your life. Throughout that time, you have striven for this evening; the night that you will receive a certificate and be recognized for completing the elementary grades. The next six years will bring many awesome responsibilities, challenges, and demands. Therefore, take what you have learned at Center Township and put it to use. I think you will find that you have been prepared well to face whatever challenges and demands you encounter.
As we say “farewell” to you tonight, you say “hello” to your future of a world of tomorrows. Grab hold of those tomorrows and using what you have learned in the past; build them into a bright and shining future. It is our hope that your paths will always be straight and true and that your destinations be paved with happiness and success.
Congratulations on your achievements!
Sincerely,
Mr. Snodgrass
Building Principal
