Graduation celebrations held at Pine Island Elementary
Pine Island Elementary School Principal Steve Hook kicked off the first of four graduation celebrations Tuesday afternoon with the kindergartners.
The audience, composed mostly of parents and grandparents, came with cameras and cell phones to record the big day.
“It is my privilege to welcome you to our celebration today,” Hook said. “It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of the school year and my first year at Pine Island Elementary – but what an awesome year it’s been.”
This 2016-17 school year was Hook’s first year at Pine Island Elementary. Hook has spent 38 years in the education field and transferred to Pine Island from Oasis Elementary School in Cape Coral last year.
“In my first year I’ve been impressed with all the children here because our society is so competition driven that we think we always must win,” Hook said. “But our children need to learn first, we don’t always win, and second, we need to celebrate the success of others.
“I have been so impressed this year because whether it’s someone getting an Eagle in the cafeteria or an Eagle Pride, or any success that a classmate celebrates, everybody else cheers and is happy for them and what a great compliment that is to you.”
Following Hook’s remarks, the kindergarten class sang songs and performed for the audience. Each of the kindergarten students received a certificate honoring their achievement. Ice cream and cupcakes were served.
On Wednesday, the first and second grades were celebrated, Thursday morning the third and fourth grades celebrated the “end-of-year awards” and finally Thursday evening, the fifth grade “promotion” ceremony was held.
The fifth grade class began the evening by singing the song “Hall of Fame” by The Script. The lyrics have a story that focuses on never giving up on your dreams.
Hook thanked the parents, grandparents and family members “for sharing and entrusting us with your most precious commodity your children. Thank you to the island community who truly understands what community is all about. Every service organization, foundation and club has been a part of our success.”
The PIE principal awarded numerous island service organizations, including the Matlacha Hookers, Kiwanis and Bobby Holloway Award. Ernestine Squires and her son, Waylen, awarded the Bobby Holloway Positive Attitude Award.
“Twenty years ago, after Bobby’s passing, Principal Tommy Thompson and I wanted to give an award to honor Bobby,” Squires said. “We wanted to find a student every year that was most like Bobby someone that was kind and caring, that cared about his classmates. The very first Bobby Holloway Positive Attitude Award was given to Summer Dooley and this year we’re very proud to present the award to Tyler Noonan.”
Hook set two props in front of the podium – one a brightly colored painting of a flower and the second a blank canvas.
“From this blank canvas you get to paint your own picture as you leave for middle school,” Hook said. “Your canvas, like my prop, is a blank one. You get to choose the picture theme, be it sports, academics, music, dance or whatever you want it to be. You get to choose the colors, be it bold and bright or sparkly. Get involved, be your best, make a difference. You get back what you put into it.”
“And when you frame your picture, I hope that kind, caring, respectful, responsible and hard working are always the frame by which you are guided. I am confident that each of you in your own way will create a masterpiece.”