Translation: Wei Qingjun
Editor: Natasha Palance
The 13th Tzu Chi Preschool Graduation ceremony was held at Monrovia Great Love Preschool on May 17th where a total of 125 attendees, including preschool graduates, their parents and teachers, gathered together to celebrate the first education milestone in the preschoolers’ lives.
Graduation signifies a special step in a student’s life and is an important celebration for the enormous achievements accomplished throughout the academic year. Tzu Chi volunteers and teachers proudly helped the graduates put on their gowns and brushed their hair as their former pupils prepared for the ceremony.
The ceremony venue was specifically designed for preschoolers to feel comfortably at ease, and provided the perfect background for their parents to take pictures.
The ceremony began with three graduate representatives greeting Master Cheng Yen, followed by the Principal’s inspiring graduation speech. After that, a short film was played that featured highlights and fond memories throughout the graduates’ time at the school. Parents, former students and teachers all joined to reminisce on these precious moments that were shared at the school.
The ceremony began with three graduate representatives greeting Master Cheng Yen, followed by the Principal’s inspiring graduation speech. After that, a short film was played that featured highlights and fond memories throughout the graduates’ time at the school. Parents, former students and teachers all joined to reminisce on these precious moments that were shared at the school.
Graduates went on stage to share their experience and thoughts on their educational journey. Six junior student representatives followed to congratulate and motivate the graduates about their future. After witnessing the courage and confidence of student performances, the audience burst into waves of applause. Ceremonial candles were lit to bless the junior graduates with Tzu Chi’s spirit—gratitude, respect and love.
The graduates walked onto the stage one by one, each a bit taller than the day they first arrived at the school, to receive their certificate from Director Christina Marie Rodriguez. Inspiring music filled the room as Elaine Lin and Tracy Chen, Midwest Los Angeles Education team leaders, issued gifts for every graduate.
While teachers and parents alike were immensely proud of the graduates for their academic achievements and personal growth, they were also sad for their departure — truly a bittersweet moment.
Following the graduation ceremony, group photos were taken to capture this special moment in time. Later, teachers gave their speeches and congratulations to these young achievers. Students, in turn, thanked their teachers for their shared knowledge and companionship.
A nostalgic photo review brought parents back to the first day that their kids arrived at the school. Along the way days were filled with laughter and tears, but mostly happy memories.
Two graduates’ parents went to the stage and shared their children’s experience in the school. Their children’s time at the preschool was where they grew into the confident young minds, each with a bright future waiting for them ahead. These parents thanked teachers for playing such a positively influential role in their children’s development into who they are today.
Many parents are grateful to volunteers and the school for their dedication to providing so many enriching events and activities throughout the year, including flower arrangements and tea ceremonies, that gave students a flourishing learning environment.
Joanna, mother of junior graduate Milton, expressed that bringing her kids to Tzu Chi was the best educational choice she could have made. The cultivated love and respect instilled within the curriculum was a great influence on Milton, in addition to the importance of gratitude. These values are reflected in the Milton before her today.
Abigail Stieglitz, mother of junior graduate Emily Stieglitz, also shared her experience with enrolling her child at the school. “The school has taught Emily so much, both academically and socially,” she said. “We have loved it that the school placed great value on community, learning, fun and manners.”
Elaine Lin, Vice President of Tzu Chi Education Foundation, thanked parents for their trust and thanked everyone for their outstanding teamwork to make this ceremony such a sweet and wonderful successful for the young graduates.
The end of three fulfilling years at the Tzu Chi Preschool has marked these young graduates’ first milestone in their educational journey. “Emily and her classmates loved learning and that skill will help them so much throughout their entire education,” Abigail stated.
The ceremony closed with parents and their children walking through the flower rings, holding each other’s hand. With this important ceremony, these accomplished preschool graduate scholars are more than ready for their next chapter.
