West Meadow bids farewell to Grade 6 class

By Rob Vogt Local Press Writer
The Grade 6 class at West Meadow Elementary School was sent off in style at the last assembly of the year.
Students, friends, family and community members gathered in the school gym on Friday, June 24 to see off the Grade 6 students who will be moving on to Willow Creek Composite High School in the fall.
Principal Sean Latta said some of the Grade 6 students have been in the school seven years while others for just a few months.
“We’re proud of you and the work you’ve done,” he said, adding the Grade 6 class had been celebrating all morning with pizza, dancing and more.
Assistant Principal Dana Burrows then read the book “Be You” by Peter Reynolds to the entire assembly.
The book was filled with messages of hope and wisdom.
“Always be you, don’t try to be someone else,” Burrows said.
Be curious and ask questions.
“If you’re wondering something, figure it out,” Burrows said.
Be adventurous, step outside your comfort zone, explore new paths, and try new paths.
Find kindred spirits and find people who let you be who you are.
Be persistent.
“Keep going, never stop,” Burrows said.
Be different, quirky, odd, and unique.
“This is the most important one – be kind, be understanding,” Burrows said, and try to understand where other people are coming from.
Be brave, set your own course, be okay with being alone, hear your own thoughts, and listen to your heart.
Be patient, take a deep breath, relax, and let your future unfold at your own pace.
Be okay with reaching out, and ask somebody who is an expert in the field for advice.
“You will always be loved,” Burrows said.
You are ready, she continued. Be you, be yourself, be the best version of you, and make everyone proud of you.
Latta concluded the assembly by commending everyone on how far the school had come in a year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were wearing masks in March,” he said. “We have done so much in four months.”
With that, the final celebration began for the departing Grade 6 students.
Called a clap out, students staff, family, friends and community members formed two lines from the Grade 6 room, through the gym and out into the common area.
They clapped, celebrated and gave out “high fives” as the Grade 6 class walked through the tunnel the two lines made.