It’s not graduation, but kindergarten end-of-year programs
are every bit a symbol of change and growth as a high school
or college commencement. As with other Arlington diocesan
elementary schools, kindergartners from St. Mary School in
Alexandria put on a show for their parents June 15.
God and country were honored with flags waving, allegiance
pledged and prayers offered.
Principal Janet Cantwell welcomed parents, and Father Edward
C. Hathaway, pastor, offered an opening prayer. But it was
the nearly 75 children who were the stars.
The show began with a welcome from students Betsy Ponnuru,
Douglas O’Neil and Alberto Martinez.
Then students Patrick Beretsel, Violet Torres and Rosie Berge
walked across the stage holding a sign that read “Welcome to
our school” which represented the “start of our day.” It was
then followed by a parade of classes that featured three
sign-holders and a chorus of children for each class.
Social studies finished the day of classes with Henry Leckey,
aka “Uncle Sam,” Kate Lutz as “Lady Liberty” and
flag-holders, Tess Mahon and Matthew Persico.
A farewell and a wish for a happy summer were given by
kindergartners Liam Fore, Judsen Allen and Jacob Ford.
Parents snapped photos with smartphones and everyone waited
to greet the students with punch and cookies.
Parents Jessica and Joe Lowrance said their son, J.J., worked
hard to prepare for the show.
“He had so much fun practicing and singing in the car,” said
his mother.
Frank Moncher’s daughter, Catherine, was a singer in the
“start of our day” segment.
“Well done and very cute,” Moncher said. “It’s great that
they involved all the kids.”
Music teacher Nicole Luechtefeld said that kindergarten
teachers started to plan for this celebration in April and
worked with students to teach them songs. She said it was a
cooperative team effort that made the event a success.
