Getting a firm foundation

The Firm Foundation Preschool, which is operated by the Matthew's Hope homeless ministry, held its first graduation ceremony Wednesday, May 24. Nine preschoolers — Matthew Acosta, Dylan Aubry, Daniel Concepcion, Mahkai Finley, Shendoah Rivenburg, A'myrah Saether, Sebastian Viloria, Braeden Walls and Gia Wright — received certificates for their accomplishments. Eight will report to kindergarten in the fall; and one, Shendoah, will be entering first grade.

Director Ginger Allen and teacher Katie Reed conducted the program, which included multiple fun songs.

The teachers asked the children several questions and shared their answers during the program.

1. What was the best part about preschool?

Matthew – Going outside

Dylan – I liked to paint

Daniel – Playing with Magna-Tiles

Mahkai – The animal puzzles; I don't need any help

Shendoah – playing Candyland

A'myrah – playing with my friends

Sebastian – Sea World

Braeden – Getting to see my teachers

Gia – When we have lunch

2. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Matthew – A monster truck driver and race car driver

Dylan – A cop because I love cops

Daniel – A kids doctor

Mahkai – A blue bike rider with a tablet in the front

Shendoah – A ballerina

A'myrah – An animal doctor

Sebastian – I want to work at Disney World

Braeden – Policeman

Gia – An eye doctor

3. Who is your hero?

Matthew – Spiderman

Dylan – Batman

Daniel – My sister, Tatiyana

Mahkai – Wayne, my dad

Shendoah – Daddy and Mommy because they help me

A'myrah – Batgirl

Sebastian – Hulk Smash

Braeden – My dad, because he takes care of bad guys

Gia – Braeden

4. What have you heard about kindergarten?

Matthew – The school bus picks you up at the house

Dylan – It's gonna be awesome – and have 80 kids

Daniel – We are gonna have homework; my sister told me

Mahkai – It's gonna be fun

Shendoah – There's lots of kids like me

A'myrah – There's gonna be a lot of people there

Sebastian – I'll be big like my brother

Braeden – My mom thinks it's gonna be awesome

Gia – You gotta know letters

Contact Amy Quesinberry at [email protected].