PAT Graduation, Awards Ceremony Held

Celebrating the end of the year of Parents As Teachers, a graduation ceremony was held on June 8 at the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall. In attendance were approximately 86 parents, children, friends, volunteers, and educators.

The highlight of the evening was honoring 22 children that have completed the PAT program and will be attending kindergarten and/or pre-K in the fall. Each received a graduate trophy, certificate, and a “goodie bag” filled with things for school and summer fun.

The Ty and Tanya Reeves family received special recognition as an Outstanding Family of Parents As Teachers for their participation in the various activities.

Ginger Bosl was given the Extra Mile Award and was presented with a plaque. She was recognized for her many years of service to the Parents As Teachers program.

An interview and performance was given by the graduates. They led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and everyone sang God Bless America. The graduates held an American flag and they marched to patriotic music entertaining their parents with a red, white, & blue parade.

After the program, a meal was served by volunteers. The volunteers were Barbara Veselka, Mark Veselka, Ginger Bosl, Susan LaBrose, Juanita Duchicela, and Melanie Ramirez. Cheryl Pekar helped with the slide show, music, and pictures. The families also viewed a powerpoint presentation showing the activities of the PAT program for the past 19 years.

The children had the opportunity to make a patriotic Statue of Liberty headband, color the flag, plus make a USA windsock. A patriotic scene was set up for photos.

The Parents as Teachers program is based on the belief that parents are their children’s first and most influential teacher. The program is staffed by educators with child development backgrounds. It prepares the children for success in school by offering personal home visits to parents, developmental screenings, and resources to meet the needs of any family.

This program is free for any family with a child prenatal to five years of age who live in the Schulenburg and Weimar school districts. For more information or to enroll in this parent program, call (979) 743-6060 or (979) 743-6584. Any educator would be happy to visit with you and offer more information about the Parents As Teacher program.