Page 7 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - June, 2019

7

EDUCATION

Hundreds of family members and friends witnessed 22 graduates take their final steps as Head Start students on June 14.
Head Start kids take the next step

Youth learn important He informed the audience that students in the classroom so they
social skills for school ‘I’m proud of each the Head Start program started can become familiar.
in 1965 to help teach students
Dickerson often takes time out
and every one of them, the tools needed for success. He of his shift to read to students,
Families and friends filled the thanked Mary DuPuis, Mary engage with them during recess
Community Center gymnasium and everyone that was Sanders and the rest of the staff and just be there talk to the
to watch 22 Head Start graduates and volunteers for all that they youngsters.
walk to the stage and receive their involved their progress.’ do to make a difference in the “I love being there. I love seeing
diplomas. – HARRY PICKERNELL SR., children’s lives and ensuring they the kids,” Dickerson said. “The
Head Start is a program for CHEHALIS TRIBE CHAIRMAN learn in a safe environment. kids make me feel good.”
children that are infants up to He spoke about how the After speeches by the chairman
preschool age. For those at the program has created future and Sgt. Dickerson, graduates
preschool level, this ceremony is them the opportunity to excel. leaders and gave a personal story walked the aisle in white and
significant because these students The 2019 Head Start from when he was 3 years old in purple caps and gowns. One by
will be moving on to K-12 and will graduation began with Chehalis 1972 when he started building one, their names were called. They
attend a bigger school. Tribe Chairman Harry Pickernell the tools for success in the Head walked to the podium to receive
This program prepares them Sr. delivering a speech to everyone Start program. Now he stands as their diplomas.
for the next step as they will be in attendance. Chairman of the Chehalis Tribe. Seemingly, as quickly as it
enrolled in kindergarten before “I’m proud of each and every The Early Learning program started, the event was over. The
they know it. The program one of them and everyone that was strives to bring a feeling of safety children are no longer Head Start
ensures all of the kids are ready involved their progress,” Pickernell and comfort to all of the children. students and now move forward to
to advance. Head Start also gives said. Sgt. Jake Dickerson regularly joins the big school in the fall.