On June 11, Way to Grow celebrated 74 third grade graduates and their families. The celebration took place at Eagles Nest Indoor Playground in New Brighton. Smiles, proud families, and excited kids filled the day with celebration!
Many of these graduates have grown up with Way to Grow by their side. Over the years, Family Educators visited them in their homes, shared books, and celebrated milestones. Parents were always able to have their questions answered and received support as their children grew into confident readers and learners.
Third grade marks an important milestone. It’s also the point when many families complete their journey with Way to Grow. That means this graduation is both a celebration and a chance to reflect on how far they’ve come. But the celebration is about more than one afternoon.
“At Way to Grow, we don’t just celebrate our third graders’ milestones and achievements. We surround them with community. The circle of educators and families around our graduates symbolizes the promise that every child is supported by people who believe in their potential.”
Nichole Jensen,
Way to Grow’s Education Director
A Day to Celebrate
Families cheered as staff called each graduate’s name, celebrating every third grade graduate for their hard work, growth, and accomplishments. Afterward, proud caregivers snapped photos with the Family Educators who supported them through years of learning and discovery. Families also connected over pizza from Pizza Hut, shared stories, and celebrated a milestone that was years in the making. Everywhere you looked, children laughed, played together, and soaked up every minute of their special day!
Members of the Ayvaz Minnesota Leadership Team, Pizza Hut‘s Minnesota team, served dinner, greeted families, and helped keep the celebration running smoothly. “We were thrilled to share in the joy of graduation day, celebrating the bright futures of these exceptional graduates and the incredible families who supported them every step of the way,” the team said.
What Families Shared
The celebration really stayed with families. In the days that followed, Literacy Specialist Romina heard from several families who shared how much the graduation meant to them. One graduate, Suad, also told Romina she was grateful for the books she had received through both her home visits and tutoring sessions. Suad has already finished almost all of them!
To our graduates: congratulations! We’re proud of everything you’ve accomplished and we’re excited to see all the wonderful things that come next. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives for so many years!
