We arrived at the Havila School at 3:30pm. The “Rancho” (big covered area) was all set up for graduation. Balloons decorated the columns with blue and white, the colors of the Nicaraguan flag. A balloon arch was in the middle of the center aisle, and a path lined with paper flowers, made by the students, led to the front of the “stage”.
People began to gather around 4:15pm, and the ceremony started at 4:45pm. The Pardos, David Bustamante, Pastora, Ronn Wilson, and the teachers sat at the tables of honor in front. The ceremony began with a procession of the graduates, first the preschoolers and then the sixth graders. Each child and their escort were announced, whether mother, father, grandparent, or orphanage worker. The parents then sat on the let and the kids on the right.
It was a beautiful ceremony. The children were called up to receive graduation gifts. Preschool boys received “Cars” gift items, the preschool girls “Hello Kitty” goodie bags, the sixth grade girls received journals and gel pens, and the boys a soccer ball and bag. The sixth graders also received a framed photo of themselves that Hilario took on the field trip to Leon. The program included a few folkloric dances by the 4th and 5th grade girls, “Jesus Me Ama” (Jesus loved me) by the preschoolers. Speakers included Ronn Wilson on behalf of the sponsors from Northshore, Hilario, and a thank you from the sixth graders to Ronn in English and Spanish.
The graduates were all then called up again, and joined by their escort, to receive their diplomas. The program ended with a great slide show put together by Mary Frances (Northshore yearly missionary) depicting major events throughout the school year. The teachers passed out cake and drinks for all to enjoy.
At the end of the program, the lights were turned off and everyone gathered facing the field to watch a spectacular firework show sponsored by Phil and Rachel Goodman. Ryan L. and Brinson Buzbee had the honors of putting it together, and they did a great job. All were amazed!
-Nancy Gibson
