Endings and beginnings, are worthy of celebration and MTCS Schools did just that! Take a look at how we celebrated the milestones of kindergartners, fourth graders moving to a new campus, sixth graders entering middle school, and eighth graders heading into high school. And of course—the graduates! P.E.A.S.E. Academy began the graduation procession, followed by MTS Secondary, Banaadir Academy (their first graduation year!) and Minnesota Virtual Schools.
Students, families, friends, and dedicated and enthusiastic staff celebrated all these beautiful milestones and we wish our students success in all that lies ahead.
Banaadir Elementary Celebrates Kindergarten and Fourth Grades
The pride and energy at Banaadir Elementary was incredible as students sang songs, received recognition (and lots of cheers!) and marked their big accomplishments. Student speakers shared wisdom and experiences “Try your best and take your time. I love this school!”
And one teacher, who teared up as she wished her students well and on into their next grade, “you are going to change the world some day.”
Banaadir Academy 8th graders were also recognized for their accomplishments and readiness for high school.
MTS Elementary Celebrating Kindergarten and Sixth Grade
Lots of memories and stories shared as MTS Elementary students and staff looked back on the year with families. MTS Elementary enjoyed lots of year-end celebrations with talent shows, picnics and more. The sixth graders also took a tour of the beautiful MTS Secondary where they are able to start school in the fall.
Graduations
P.E.A.S.E. Academy Graduation
Students and staff at P.E.A.S.E. Academy have so much to celebrate. Not only are students recognized for their education accomplishments, and graduating high school, they are also celebrating sobriety, recovery and moving their lives forward. A staff member presented each student with a talking stick, chosen particularly for them and both staff and students shared a bit of their experience.
As one student shared about his experience at P.E.A.S.E. Academy, “This place taught me what it means to be human.”
MTS Secondary Graduation
Students from the General Colin L. Powell Leadership Academy launched the MTS Secondary graduation with the color guard, followed by emcee and event speaker’s sharing the words of students about what they were grateful for this day—grounded in gratitude. Students were reminded that they are strong, amazing and powerful “be your own superhero!” said Mr Gharitty.
The students have been through much. Not only the pandemic, but the events following the murder of George Floyd destroyed the school and this was the first year back in the new, beautiful space. Congratulations! And welcome to new Principal for the 2022/23 school year, Raunn Finley.
Banaadir Academy Graduation
Banaadir Academy celebrated its first ever graduation class in 2022! After becoming a K-12 program, students proudly took to the stage while dozens and dozens of friends and family cheered them on their academic achievements. Onee student speaker shared that she wanted to be one of the people to restore her homeland, Somalia. Another shared his experiences and plans and poignantly ended his remarks, “class of 2022 signing off.”
Along with celebrating student accomplishments, families also heard a bit from the new principal for the 2022/23 school year, Hassan Hassan.
Minnesota Virtual High School Graduation
There are a lot of reasons to choose an online school program—flexibility and opportunity are certainly part of it. Following the pandemic a lot of students experienced online learning, but at MNVS, students chose this school for what it could offer them. One student speaker shared how he had difficult times in a traditional school, but when he moved to MNVS, with so much personal support from his teachers “we will not let you fail,” he used his flexibility to explore possible careers. Another student used her flexibility to begin building a photography career while still in high school. And yet another student shared that her experience with MNVS, and the opportunity to take college classes in high school helped her get over her fear of college and her understanding that if she focuses on today—she can reach her goals.
MTCS has programs to meet each student on their path to the future. We believe in investing in what each student needs, so they can make it through school, walk across the stage and take ahold of their high school diploma. Their futures are bright and we are very, very proud of each and every one of them.
