OH, the Places They'll Go

Sunshine poured across Thornwell's Child Development Center's lawn. Family and friends came carrying balloons, flowers, and phones, ready to capture what was coming. Little ones wiggled in their shiny robes and funny square hats. It was a BIG day. It was GRADUATION Day!

“I am excited, but I am emotional. It's just crazy how she has started off this year, and now she is ending it by graduating,” said Cheyenne, mother of K4 graduate Lillian McGill. "She will move forward to 5K and make new friends. It's emotional, but it's exciting for her, and she is so ready."

SO READY.

South Carolina

Mr. Julius J. Anderson Jr.

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Bagwell

Ms. Kay Cleveland

Mr. Michael J. Cunningham

The Rev. Dr. Charles Elliott

Mrs. Tamra Sasser Erde

Ms. Holly Furr

Mr. M. Craig Garner, Jr.

Mrs. Harriet D. Ike

Mrs. Susan W. Malloy

Mrs. Dorianne Norwood

The Rev. Lawrence Peebles

Mr. Maurice A. Purcell

Dr. Flury G. Wilson

The Rev. Dr. William Ward

Ms. Teresa D. Madden

It was a common thread shared between family and excited faces on this day. Ready for friends, ready for a celebration, and ready to succeed in kindergarten next year – all because people like you create pathways for academic excellence by supporting Thornwell’s Child Development Center!

As the graduates appeared, little hands peeked through long robe sleeves as each child waved excitedly to loved ones. Instantly, smiles spread across the crowd. Giggles could be heard from the lineup as they sang the songs they had practiced - ABCs, weekdays, counting, and so much more!

"I am so proud of her. When she first started school, she did not know her ABCs or how to count to 10, and now she can do those things and sing songs about them,” explained Cheyenne. "She can write her name now. It's just awesome to see where she started and how this year has ended."

Names were called, and one by one, children raced toward the podium to receive their certificates and, most importantly, hugs from their teachers and Director, LaVerne Roberts. It was hard to tell who was smiling bigger – the children or their teachers, especially teaching assistant Rebecca Fuhrman.

“I enjoy teaching because they do not know much when they come to us. Then throughout the year, you can see their lightbulb go off. It all starts clicking, and you see their hard work pay off," she explained.

Did you know YOU are helping create these lightbulb moments in our children? Thanks to your generosity, you’ve equipped students with the foundational tools and skills they’ll need to succeed this year in kindergarten and beyond!

Festivities weren’t complete without a celebration dance with family and friends and a theme of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” –a book by Dr. Seuss. As giggles, cheers, and exceptional dance moves erupted across the room, the joy was simply contagious. It was JOY that you delivered because of your love. Thank you for being a vessel for laughter and learning!

“Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!”

― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!