Early Learning Center celebrates preschool graduates with Aloha-themed send off

Under a warm summer evening sky, families, Tribal Elders, teachers, and staff gathered in late July on the lawn at the House of Awakened Culture to celebrate graduates from the Eagle, Bear, and Bee classrooms of the Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center.

With a theme inspired by Indigenous Hawaiian “Aloha spirit” and the shared Suquamish values of love, kindness, respect, compassion, and gratitude, the evening recognized the preschoolers’ accomplishments while honoring the families, culture, and community that have supported them on their journey toward kindergarten.

Assistant Director James Alber served as master of ceremonies, while the Sacred Water Canoe Family opened the celebration with traditional songs. Classroom teachers later called graduates forward to receive certificates as proud families applauded and captured the milestone with photos.

Early Learning Center Director Kayla Wakefield reminded families that the evening celebrated not only the children’s academic growth, but also the values and relationships that will continue to guide them.

“Today we celebrate not only where our children are going, but also where they come from,” Wakefield said. “Each of our graduates carries the strength, love and wisdom of their families, communities and ancestors.”

Throughout the school year, she said, the children learned far more than letters and numbers. They learned to share, solve problems, ask questions, build friendships, and develop confidence while discovering that they belong to families, the Suquamish Tribe, and a community that supports them.

Comparing the graduates to voyagers beginning a new journey, Wakefield encouraged them to keep learning, exploring, asking questions, and sharing their smiles with the world. She reminded them that, wherever their paths lead, they will always have the support of their families, teachers, tribe, and community.

Wakefield also thanked parents and caregivers for their partnership throughout the year and praised the dedication of teachers and staff whose patience and care helped prepare the children for their next step.

Following the ceremony, Tribal Elder Dolores Mills offered a blessing before everyone gathered indoors for Hawaiian barbecue, continuing the evening’s island-inspired

celebration. Families, teachers, and staff then shared one final meal together as the graduates marked the close of their preschool years and looked ahead to kindergarten.