Celebrating Big Milestones at MRC Preschool Graduation

On May 21, families, teachers, volunteers, partners, and friends gathered to celebrate one of the sweetest milestones of the year: MRC Preschool graduation. The room was filled with proud smiles, happy tears, and the kind of joyful anticipation that comes when little learners are about to take a very big step forward.

Before the children came in, Preschool Director Leslie Johnson paused to recognize the many people who helped make the year possible. “This is awesome,” she said. “What we have built has taken the entire community. It has taken all of you— your hard work, our partnerships, our grants, and a whole lot of work from the entire agency, and of course, our teachers.”

Volunteers, partners, and a community grantor were invited to stand and be recognized for their hard work and generous contributions. It was a fitting reminder that early childhood education is never the work of one classroom alone. It is built through relationships, trust, commitment, and a community that believes every child deserves a strong start.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. The preschoolers filed into the room, green mortarboards bobbing, ready to shine, and performed two songs for the crowd. After the applause, teachers Meredith and Lily took turns calling each graduate forward. One by one, the children stepped up to receive their diplomas, each wrapped in a joyful yellow plush flower.

One parent said the program helped her daughter grow in ways she could see every day. “To see the confidence change between the beginning of the program and the end—she’s a different kid,” she shared. “She learned a lot academically, but a lot of it was that emotional and social engagement the teachers really helped her with. It has made such a difference for us as a family.”

One student’s grandmother also saw that growth up close. “She really has enjoyed her time here and made such good friends,” she said. “She’s learned her letters, she’s learning sounds and how to read, and how to get along with other people. She’s ready for kindergarten. I’m not sure kindergarten is ready for her, but she’s ready.”

This year’s celebration was especially meaningful because MRC Preschool also achieved Colorado Shines Level Five, the highest rating possible in Colorado’s quality rating and improvement system for licensed early learning programs. That recognition reflects the exceptional learning environment our preschool team has created, one where children are known, supported, challenged, and celebrated.

At MRC Preschool, kindergarten readiness means more than letters, numbers, and early academic skills, although those foundations matter deeply and our students make big strides in areas like recognizing letters, writing their names, and counting well into the double digits.

Our teachers also focus intentionally on the social and emotional skills children carry with them for years: managing big feelings, solving problems, building friendships, practicing independence, staying curious, and learning how to belong in a classroom community. Those abilities help children succeed not only in elementary school, but throughout childhood and into adulthood.

We are so proud of this year’s graduates, grateful for the families who trust us with their children, and inspired by the teachers, volunteers, partners, grantors, and staff who make MRC Preschool such a special place to learn and grow. Congratulations to the MRC Preschool Class of 2026. We cannot wait to see what you do next.