Head Start Graduates of 2020, Ready to Soar to Great Heights

Head Start Graduates of 2020, Ready to Soar to Great Heights

Dr. Deborah Bergeron: Hello Head Start. My name is Dr. B. I'm the Director of the Office of Head Start and this message is very special. It is just for my Head Start kiddos who are getting ready to finish Head Start, which means next year you go to kindergarten. This is a very exciting day, and just for that, I am outside in this beautiful sunny day to celebrate with you and I have a special story for you.

So, I bet you've heard of someone named, Dr Seuss. Well, he wrote a really special book just for days like today, and I've added a little bit to it just to make it special. Just for you. Are you ready? And before I start reading, I have to tell you; I have a friend. His name's Jack. He's a very big dog. He might join us while we read. I don't really know, but I'm going to keep reading. So, if he shows up, well, he'll just join us.

Are you ready? Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to great places. You're off and away. You'll have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own and you know what you know, and you're the guy or gal who decide where to go.

Oh, the places you'll go! You'll be on your way up. You'll be seeing great sites. You will join the highfliers who soar with great heights, with a banner flip-flapping you'll once more ride high, ready for anything under the sky. Because you know, you're just that kind of girl or guy.

Oh, the places you go! There is fun to be done. There are points to be scored; there are games to be won, and the magical things you can do with that ball, will make you the winningest winner of all. And you know you will hike and I know you'll hike far; you'll face your problems, whatever they are.

And remember, next year as you walk into kindergarten, whether your name's Frances or Freddy, you went to Head Start. So, I know you are ready. You know how to listen. You know how to take your turn. You know how to share and you're ready to learn.

Now, kindergarten might feel, at first, just a bit scary, but don't fret because all of your friends might be a bit wary. Remember, your Head Start teacher has gotten you ready. Your Head Start teacher has made sure you are steady.

Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai, Ali Van Allen O'Shea you're off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So, get on your way. Today, you finish Head Start and it's a pretty big deal. Today, your heart's singing, and you have that special feel.

So, as you move on remember one thing that is true, you can leave your Head Start, but Head Start will never leave you.