Clayton News Daily

Photo by Daniel Lenz Grant Cardenas (from left), Autumn Davis and Alexis Clark were some of the pre-k graduates participating in McDonough Methodist Academy's year-end ceremonies.

By Johnny Jackson

jjackson@henryherald.com

Six-year-old Timothy Blackburn prepared for his big day by singing a medley of tunes around the house, according to his mother, Michelle Blackburn.

Her son's kindergarten class, at Eagle's Landing Christian Academy in McDonough, held its graduation ceremony Thursday. The youngsters sang an arrangement of musical selections resembling the musical soundtrack from "The Sound of Music."

"I was very proud and excited," said Michelle Blackburn. "It gave me chills."

Eagle's Landing Christian Academy is one of several private schools throughout the Southern Crescent area to perform ceremonial pre-k and kindergarten graduations this month.

"It's just a rite of passage," said Laura Farr, a kindergarten teacher at the school.

Farr said the students are taller now, than when they came to her. They also grow academically, and socially, while in her care.

"In kindergarten, our kids know how to read," Farr said. "They've learned the biblical aspect, too. Some kids come here dependent upon their momma, and they become self-sufficient. And they are able to trust in others, their teachers and their friends."

Farr said this year marked her 11th year teaching at ELCA -- a year that, she said, was as fresh and new as the first.

"I hate to see them go, because I have to start over again," she joked. She said members of her first kindergarten class are rising juniors in high school this year.

"I tell my kids, 'I'm going to know you when you grow up,'" said Farr, who keeps up with former students. "I'm always excited to see them again, and to see them succeed."