Willowbrook School - "You Can Always Call this Home!" - Kurt Barker
Willowbrook School's last day of school and Fifth-Grade Promotion Ceremony for the Class of 2021 was held at 9:00 a.m. on June 2. Music teacher Kurt Barker began the celebration with the song, "Oh Willowbrook!" to honor the home of the Wildcats!
Principal Dr. Scott Carlson welcomed the audience, then everyone recited "The Pledge of Allegiance."
Dr. Carlson began, "It is wonderful to all be in one place. Thank you for coming. Thank you to our Board, administrators, and Superintendent Dr. Brian Wegley for your great support this year."
Addressing the graduating fifth-graders, he complimented them for being trailblazers and risk-takers, adding that they are the first class to have attended Maple this year since 1974!
"Everyone showed positive character traits during challenging times, and it was greatly appreciated. In District 30 we recognize the six pillars of Character Counts: Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, citizenship, and caring. I would like to present awards for three of these traits," explained Dr. Carlson.
"For the teachers, who demonstrated bravery when you showed up for Teacher Institute Day back on August 20, 2020, while doctors and scientists were still learning about COVID-19, I present you all with the pillar of Responsibility."
"For the students, who demonstrated leadership by moving to Maple School a year earlier, creating space at Wescott and Willowbrook so the district could hold hybrid instruction for the younger kids, I present you all with the pillar of Respect."
"For the parents, who sacrificed by accepting remote preschool, hybrid and remote levels of instruction, and the fifth-graders early move to Maple School, I present you all with the pillar of Trustworthiness!"
Dr. Carlson then read portions from "I Wish for You" by Amy K. Rosenthal, as he concluded his speech.
Excerpts included, "I wish for you more ups than downs, more hugs than ughs, more woo hoo than woe, more will than hill, and more, because you are everything I wish for and more!"
Superintendent Dr. Wegley stated, "I am grateful to the courageous teachers and staff members who carried us through this year. We are fortunate to do something that matters, that makes a difference! Your mission was the well-being of our students all year long. You drove us to give our all, and we got through this year! Thank you!"
He said that the students have been rock stars this year, remaining engaged and respectful to the new rules.
"That is a true testament to our community and teachers, as well. You are more amazing than you realize! You readily accepted the move to Maple, remained positive, and allowed us to free up space at the elementary schools to hold classes safely for the younger students! We are honored to celebrate you today!" he added.
Dr. Wegley expressed gratitude to the Board of Education for its unwavering support, to the parents for meeting challenges with the district together, and thanked everyone for a great year.
The Fifth-grade Promotion Ceremony speakers included Lucy Chang, Matthew Paek, and Dristi Patel. They each expressed their appreciation for friends, teachers, and cherished memories made. Fifth-grade teachers then read Certificates of Completion, and yellow roses were presented to departing families.
Mr. Barker concluded the ceremony with the song, "Always Call This Home."
