Little L’Qree Hodge was not just one of the eighty-one children who graduated from St. Mary’s Preschool. She was in fact the recipient of a Special Achievement Award and was selected to deliver the “Reflection Speech”.
The Principal, Mrs. Hazel Brooks, undertook to publish the child’s speech. This is what she bravely told the large audience at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium:
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to stand before you to give a brief reflection of our preschool days at St. Mary’s Preschool.
“I still can recall the first day of preschool, in that September, two years ago. Some of us came kicking and screaming. Some came in boldly, but we came. And we are glad we did. It has been two wonderful years of adjusting, having fun making friends, playing and sometimes crying.
“The good thing is we did not go through it alone. When we were dropped off by our parents, we were left in good hands. Teachers, thank you for your patience. From bathroom breaks to snack time, you took care of us. Because of your help, school is now one of our favourite places. You taught us to love learning and showed us how much fun it is. You have been a strong tower to us. Thank you!
“Our parents have also been great throughout these two years. They have supported us at every event. Thank you for encouraging us. Please remember that we need your support in primary school too.
“To all my classmates, do you remember the Cat in the Hat? He said: ‘Today you are you, that is true. There is no one alive who is younger than you’. We are each special and unique in our own way.
“I wish us all a successful primary school experience.
“We, the graduating class of 2015, are thankful to St. Mary’s Preschool for laying the foundation for us to ‘Shine like a Diamond and soar like an Eagle’. We are proud to have been part of such a good school.
“While we will miss St. Mary’s Preschool, we are ready to embrace what lies ahead, so we must move on. Once again, thank you and may God bless us all.”
