Our Town’s 22nd Annual Graduation Issue 1 of 3

Our town’s eight schools are holding their graduations from May 24 through June 14th this year. The Montecito Journal wishes much success and offers congratulations to the class of 2024, the heads of school, superintendents, principals, faculty, staff, and parents!

The Montecito YMCA Preschool

The YMCA Preschool 2024 Graduation was held on Friday, May 24, at 10:30 am, outside at the Y’s multi-sports court. Each graduate handmade their cap and wore their Sunday best. They also wore sunglasses with 2024 written across. Their parents and guests were seated under canopies in the court. Bright yellow balloons decorated the stage. Along the fence to the court were posters of each graduate with their photo and their answers to questions about preschool and what they think kindergarten will be like.

The grads processed in to the “Pomp and Circumstance March” by Sir Edward Elgar, with their teacher Cathe Spock. The newly appointed Youth Development and Preschool Director Esther Reitmeier helped them to get on the platform stage. Also on hand was Isabella Vejar the preschool assistant teacher.

Reitmeier welcomed the parents and families, “The Graduating class of 2024 is my first class as preschool director, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of children and families to start my preschool adventure with. I know these 12 children are going to grow up and do amazing things, and I can’t wait to see what their futures hold for them.” 

The grads performed two songs led by Spock, who then with Reitmeier presented the diplomas. Tony Morris, President of the Montecito Rotary Club, presented the grads with their personal book, a journal titled, “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” with a special note from their teachers. The book is a keepsake that will hold what each teacher going forward wishes for the student. The finale was the grads singing and animating the song “YMCA” by The Village People, and “Ease on Down the Road” by Charlie Smalls.The graduation concluded with a reception.

The 2024 YMCA Preschool grads are: Saoirse Bailey, Soleil Bailey, Mia Beise, Olive Birich, Ford Carty, Alma Gilbar, Soleil Gilbar, Leo Hund, Thiago Madrigal, Parrish Kinney, Huey O’Neil,and Nathaniel Ybarra.