Graduation

By Sarissa Portanova

We recently had the honor of holding the graduation ceremonies for our VPK and 3rd Grade graduates. Our VPK students graduated from Banner Lake Early Learning Center and most of them will be attending Banner Lake Academy in the fall. We are so glad to have the opportunity to continue to guide their education. Historically, children that graduate from Banner Lake Early Learning Center score higher than the national average in reading and math. For this reason, we are confident that our recent graduates will be starting their Elementary education with an excellent foundation.

3rd grade graduation is always bittersweet for the staff and volunteers at Banner Lake Academy. We have watched many of the children grow from babies to the young people that they are today. We feel an incredible sense of pride for their accomplishments and a deep joy for being able to be a part of their childhood. Their families have become our family. We wish them all the best as they continue their education. Our graduates will attend a variety of schools to finish their elementary education. Some of the schools that our graduates will be attending include, Good Shepherd Episcopal School, Jupiter Elementary, and Pinewood Elementary.

As an end of year trip, the 3rd grade class spent a day filled with fun and learning at the Hobe Sound Nature Center. The children experienced Seining, which is a type of net fishing. During this trip they explored and observed fish and other local marine life. During the graduation ceremony the children expressed gratitude to their families and educators through poetry, songs, and dance. Each student also received a small cash stipend to go towards their future educational endeavors.

Even though they will no longer be Banner Lake Academy students, we can look forward to seeing many of them at BLAST (Banner Lake After School Time) which has programs for each grade level. We will also always be willing to partner with and support them and their families.