Woodside celebrates third-grade graduates


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Third-grader Magnus Mull held his head high during the graduation ceremony.

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Just like a high school graduation ceremony, the Woodside third-graders threw their hats into their air after they were introduced as grads.

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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Woodside third-grader and recent graduate Nathan Schaefer (left) couldn’t help but smile after her received his recognition certificate.

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Third-graders Kara Hallock (left), Raelyn Haefke, Dasha Traylor, and Jazmine Telfair celebrated their graduation together with snacks and drinks in their cafeteria.

By SARAH FOOR

sfoor@vindy.com

Even though they were only graduating from elementary school, Woodside Elementary third-graders were provided with all the trappings of a high school graduation for their commencement ceremony.

Teachers and students of the younger grades were there to support their senior students. Many Woodside parents were on hand with gifts that exclaimed “Congrats, Grad!”

A hush filled the air when the Woodside third-graders entered the gym in red and blue mortarboard hats and “Pomp and Circumstance” echoed throughout the room.

Principal Tim Kelty hosted the proceedings and had only praise for the graduating third-graders from his first year as principal.

“Third-graders, you are the leaders of our school and you have led by example,” Kelty shared. “Peeking into your classrooms throughout the year, I’ve always found you doing your very best. We congratulate you on your commitment and you will always be considered a part of the Woodside family.”

Kelty then had the students of Ann Billock, Angie Carchedi, Joya Villani, Nicole Wilson’s classrooms rise to receive their diplomas. After being congratulated as the official Woodside Class of 2011, the kids threw their hats in the air and celebrated to their class song, Katy Perry’s “Firework.”

Kelty had one more thought to share with his students that day.

“I hope one day you will think about your time at Woodside and remember what a great school it was to you. Moving on to Frank Ohl, we wish your our best. You will be great!” Kelty exclaimed.