Christian Life Center Graduates 23 Kindergarteners

On Thursday June 9, twenty-three young students donned their white mortarboards and marched across stage to receive their diplomas and begin the transition to first grade. The event was held at the Christian Life Center's youth ministry building, The Edge and began at 7 p.m.

“We've been holding kindergarten graduation since 2006,” Lisa Sondej, the kindergarten teacher, said. This is in stark contrast to other local schools, especially those in the Bensalem Township School District, which do not graduate kindergarteners.

The ceremony opened with the audience standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and the Pledge to the Christian Flag, followed with a rendition by the students of the Star-Spangled Banner. After a few words from Sondej, the students performed “Kids Under Construction,” a song number that reflected the theme of the evening: a construction zone, which stood as a metaphor for the spiritual and educational development the children went through during their year at the Christian Life Academy.

The students then sat down and watched as each member of their class stood up, walked over to a microphone, and recited the knowledge they had learned in the course of kindergarten. The tidbits of information covered various disciplines including social studies, science, mathematics, and art.

A few short songs later, the students were ready to receive their diplomas. After each student switched their yellow construction hat for a graduation cap and obtained their sheepskin, the ceremony progressed into a special awards presentation, where awards were given out for success in varying areas ranging from athletic events, reading program, and near-perfect attendance.

Another song and a slideshow of photographs chronicling the young academics' journey through kindergarten wrapped up the ceremony, but those in attendance were hesitant to leave due to the torrential downpour that was occurring outside. Hail was falling, thunder was rolling, and power to half of the facility had gone out. The event coordinators ensured the safety and well-being of the group and invited everyone for post-graduation ice cream in the gymnasium.