Southwest Campus kicked off graduation week as 59 fifth graders and 156 PreK students received their diplomas in separate ceremonies at the Stafford Civic Center.
It was a day full of congratulations for the graduates and a salute to a job well done. But the occasion also served as a reminder that plenty of work remains as these students move onto junior high and kindergarten, respectively.
Campus Director Twilet Alexander gave an inspiring speech about her childhood and her stint as an Olympian, and concluded that a solid education turned out to be the path to her success. And Superintendent M. Annette Cluff thanked the parents for choosing Varnett for their children and promised that the district will continue to provide a quality education.
The program for the 5th graders featured a tribute by Varnett students, a “Valedictorian Message” by Amaya Starks and the recognition of Sky Rodriquez as Salutatorian. The program for the PreK students featured class presentations “On My Way” under the direction of Ms. Bahnfleth, Ms. Dill and Ms. Johnson and “Ready for the Whole New World” under the direction of Ms. Hines, Ms. Jemny, Ms. Ramos and Ms. Roberts.
Dr. Cluff thanked the teachers and instructional staff for their hard work and commitment and acknowledged Ms. Greta Peacock, the district’s 3rd-5th grade curriculum coordinator and Ms. Melissa Cluff, the district’s PreK curriculum coordinator, for their service.
The 5th graders later were handed The Seventh Edition of Who's Who in Black Houston, which features the names, pictures and bios of successful African Americans who can serve as role models for the graduating students. Dr. Cluff urged the students to study the book and identify a person whom they would like to emulate. "You could be another Mae Jemison," Dr. Cluff said of the American physician and NASA astronaut.
Graduation for the Northeast Campus students is 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, at New Day Deliverance Holiness Church. East Campus will hold its ceremonies starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 6, at the campus.