Over the Rainbow Class of 2007 are, front row, (l-r): Mackenzie Martin, Haley Johnson; back row, Jackson Bryant, Russell Callaway, Benjamin Wade, Cole Hopkins. Not pictured, Cade Buchanan and Tranter Duncan. Over the Rainbow held its 2007 graduation ceremony Sunday May 20 at First Assembly of God. The sanctuary was filled with very proud parents, grandparents, siblings, other family members and friends.

Led by Mrs. Nancy Dawkins, owner and teacher, the children marched in single file to the filled sanctuary as the sound of pomp and circumstance was playing in the background. The eight graduates looked precious in their white gowns with matching caps. On every child's cap was a rainbow tassel with a gold 2007 emblem on it. The tassels were a gift from Miss Nancy for each child to remember the special day by. Each child was then seated on stage on each side of the rainbow. Miss Nancy and the children then opened the ceremony with a welcome to everyone, prayer, and the pledge of allegiance.

As Mrs. Nancy called each graduate up to the front individually to state their name, birthday, and favorite nursery rhyme, the other waiting graduates sat shyly and quietly, something most members of this class were not known for doing throughout the school year! The class then stood together and sang "The days of the week," "The months of the year," "The number rock," and ending with "It's a beautiful day." Next Mrs. Nancy asked the children if they wanted to sing "Jesus Loves Me," the "trio," Tranter Duncan, Cole Hopkins, and Jackson Bryant, took Mrs. Nancy's lead - and the microphone - and broke into a cute rendition of the song.

The first annual, Russell Gibson Spirit Award, was then presented to Cole Hopkins. Presenting the award was Mrs. Ophelia Gibson. As she handed the certificate to Cole, she hugged his neck and sweetly kissed him on the check. It was a moving moment for all.

This year the ceremony had a special treat of live entertainment. The beautiful song, "My Wish," by Rascal Flats, was wonderfully performed by Josh Banks and Amy Boland. As the moving song was played, the children individually presented their parents with a precious black and white portrait of themselves taken on the playground at Over the Rainbow. The portraits were a beautiful gift that really captures the true personalities of the children Mrs. Nancy has spent the last year(s) with.

Mrs. Nancy then recognized each graduate by calling their name and awarding them their diploma's. The ceremony finished with the children marching back up the aisle, with diploma's in hand, to the sound of recessional music.

Following the presentation, Mrs. Nancy and Mr. Tommy invited all to join them in the Family Life Center for a reception honoring the graduates. Pictures of the children throughout their year(s) at the rainbow were displayed in a collage on a table as guests walked into the center. A delicious cake decorated with a rainbow along with many other refreshments and tea was on hand for the guests.

Mrs. Nancy would like to thank all those who helped with this year's ceremony; the staff of Over the Rainbow, Krystal Young, Mary Susan Blackburn, Carol Saggus, Brenda Carter, and Samantha Arledge. Very special thanks go to Pastors Lanis Lewis and Terry Bonds for their help and hospitality. Others who graciously helped were: Mildred Partridge, Paul, Teresa, and Tyler Banks, Susan Heitman, Chasity Coleman, Bruce Turner, Janet Dawkins, Mark Goldman, Peggy Saggus, Stacy and Hannah Bryant, Catherine Drew Beggs and Kayson Bentley. Thanks to Mr. Tommy Dawkins for once again doing all of the moving and setting up.

When asked her thoughts on this past year's class Mrs. Nancy said, "What a year! Once again I truly appreciate the wonderful love and support given to me by the parents. This year has definitely been my most challenging so far. This class is mostly boys, tough boys, which love to play hard and fight a lot!! Mackenzie, Haley and I have definitely had an action packed year with our boys! However, the entire class has also been sweet, loving and a joy to work with. I think I've learned more this year with them and have grown as a teacher due the personality of the class. I will always love them and will miss them when they start "big school." I would also like to thank my staff, I'm very blessed to have such dedicated employees throughout this past year."

Mrs. Nancy has given so much of herself to each one of our children, teaching them their ABC's, 123's, learning special songs and reading to them. But she is more than just a "teacher." Mrs. Nancy has loved and cared for them as if they were her own. Giving lots of hugs, breaking up the boxing matches, rubbing the backs of those who can't or won't fall asleep, laughing with them, picking them up when they fall down, wiping the tears and "making it alright", and playing fun games with them.

Overall, Mrs. Nancy has made their time at the Rainbow a memory that they and she will have for a lifetime. We the parents, appreciate and thank you Mrs. Nancy for your dedication to our children, you will be a special part of their lives forever.