Chambliss Center Pre-K graduation
Chambliss Center for Children celebrated as its graduating class of Pre-K students from its Early Childhood Education Program marched proudly in caps and gowns during a ceremony held on the organization’s campus. Family members, educators, community leaders, and local government officials gathered to honor the young graduates and reflect on the foundation laid during their early learning years.
The ceremony included the Pledge of Allegiance, musical performances, and a display of the students’ newly acquired skills—from counting and color recognition to alphabet songs and dance routines.
Notable speakers included Katie Harbison, president and CEO of Chambliss Center for Children; Greg Cullum, Board chairman of Chambliss Center for Children; Sumer Arispe, director of Early Childhood Education at Chambliss Center for Children; Karitsa Jones, administrator of the Department of Early Learning for the city of Chattanooga; and Dr. Keri Randolph, executive director of Chattanooga 2.0 – Chattanooga Future Fund, who praised Chambliss Center for Children for its dedication to preparing children for lifelong learning.
“Pre-K Graduation is our time to celebrate the importance of quality early education and to acknowledge the progress these children have made in their educational journey," said Ms. Harbison. "Their smiles beamed with pride and excitement, and it gives me great hope for the future of our community. It’s my favorite day of the year. You just can’t find anything cuter and more hopeful than this.”
Adding to the excitement of the day, Chattanooga 2.0’s Chattanooga Future Fund informed families of their new program that provides up to a $150 contribution for each graduate to jumpstart a career and college savings account. In a show of support, the Chambliss Center for Children’s Board of Directors surprised each family with an additional gift of $50, bringing each student’s total starting career and college savings to $200.
“This commitment from the Chambliss Center for Children not only highlights their long-standing leadership in early childhood education but also reminds us that we cannot start too early in helping our students and families plan for career and college,” said Dr. Randolph. “We hope others will make similar investments in our students’ bright futures through the Chattanooga Future Fund.”
Chambliss Center Pre-K graduation