12  future high school graduates of the class of 2024 celebrated their first big academic milestone with a graduation ceremony from the Novato Youth Center’s Preschool Program on Friday, June 17th.  Members of this graduating class will be moving onto a much larger endeavor in the fall – Kindergarten.  The ceremony included diploma presentations for each capped grad, a farewell speech from Novato Youth Center’s Preschool Head Teacher Dominique Monks, and songs performed by the graduates.

  In lieu of a “grad night”, which would have required lights-out by 7:30 p.m., the scholars celebrated immediately following the ceremony with a meal, cupcakes, hugs from proud and teary-eyed parents and plenty of playground activities. 

The graduating class included: Logan Vuong, David Vasquez, Julia Persky, Jacquiline Merola, Monroe Medina, Liam McGrath, Jayla Dickerson, Joshua Devore, Zina Descamps, Ivan Castro, Gabriela Benitez and Angelina Barkus-Ortiz. 

 Comments from a few graduates included:

“I liked today because we sang special songs to my mommy and daddy and ate yummy food  and I’m excited to be in Kindergarten to play with the toys.” - Josh, age 4 ½

“I loved the cupcakes and having my mommy and daddy and Aunt Rebecca and Uncle Jason see me get my diploma.” -  Angelina, age 4 ½

 “My mommy and daddy and brother were proud of me and I can’t wait to learn more in Kindergarten!” -  Jacqueline, age 4 ½ 

 The Novato Youth Center’s school age program serves students rising into Kindergarten through 8^th grade, and many of the Preschool graduates have opted to remain on and become NYC Kindergarteners.  The School Age Program operates full time on weekdays during summer and non-school days, and before and after school on school days. The Center’s Transportation Program safely transports children to and from school and on field trips all over the Bay Area and beyond, and their Nutritional Food Program offers healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks daily.  The Center places great emphasis on year round academic success, and its curriculum and strategies are aligned with and compliment those of the Novato Unified School District. 

 The Novato Youth Center wishes its graduates a relaxing summer after their big accomplishment, and is happy that the large majority of them will continue to be learning, playing and making new friends at the Center over the summer months.  In its 35^th year of serving the community, the Center’s mission is to inspire and prepare youth for success.  To learn more, please visit www.novatoyouthcenter.org, or call (415) 892-1643.