Email  Print

Woodland Star eighth-graders graduate

Woodland Star Charter School graduated its eighth grade class Saturday, June 9.

Guests gathered in the Altimira multi-purpose building which was transformed into a ceremonial space featuring twinkling lights and ornate flowers. The ceremony featured student recollections of some of their favorite moments during their tenure at Woodland Star that was both humorous and touching.In addition, the class sang “Were Going to Be Friends” by the White Stripes accompanied by graduates Connor Ebert and Austin Chapin on guitar.

Retiring kindergarten teacher Monnica O’Grady was also honored by the students as they reminisced via song, some of their kindergarten circle activities.

The parent address was delivered by Mara Lee Ebert, who acknowledged the hard work of the students, the parents and the class teacher as the students journeyed through their grade-school years.

Administrator Sheila Reilly recognized all of the teachers who had contributed to the student’s learning experiences at Woodland Star and especially the contributions of graduating eighth-grade teacher, Sharon Williams.

Williams spoke about each student individually creating a poignant and inspiring picture of each of them, their challenges, successes and development throughout their years at Woodland Star.

As a parting gift the students prepared a video montage for their teacher highlighting projects, fieldtrips and classroom activities. The students offered the video as a thank you to Williams for her dedication, rigor and care over the years.

The students will go onto a variety of high school settings including Sonoma Valley High, Credo – a Waldorf Inspired Charter High School – and Sonoma Academy.

The ceremony culminated with a reception on the Woodland Star campus prepared and served by the school’s seventh-grade parents. Then students gathered for a pool party, dancing and saying goodbye to their academic journey at Woodland Star.