School is about to resume and I know there are several little ones excited and maybe even a little timid about going to a new and bigger school. As a mom of one of those little ones, I am a little sad myself - but thankful to Mrs. Nancy and her staff at "the Rainbow" for helping prepare him for this fall.

Since their first day last year, the pre-k class was not only taught their ABC's and how to sit still, if ever so briefly, they were loved and nurtured. The year was full of activities that were not only fun and exciting, but managed to enhance their imagination as well.

All their preparation for "Big School" came to an end back in May with graduation exercises held at First Assembly of God, Children's Theatre. The graduates were led in by Mrs. Nancy and everyone found their seat. The program started with the welcome, the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. You could tell they were excited and ready to show their stuff. They sang the Number Rock, Alphabet Song, Jesus Loves Me and a few more songs.

Each graduate had a chance to tell a little about themselves. There were several future rock-n-roll stars, a couple of cowboys, a few doctors, a mermaid, a singer, a Power Ranger, and even a spider!

The Gibson family again presented the Russell Gibson Spirit Award. This year is wasn't too hard for Nancy to choose the child that most reminded her of her past classmate, Russell. Carlin Gibson, Jody and Dena Gibson's daughter and Russell's niece, was chosen. Carol Gibson Shirley, Russell's sister, presented the award.

There was a slide show including pictures of the activities from this past year and even activities from previous years all the way back to their start in the baby room. Thanks to Dena Gibson for compiling all of this.

At the conclusion of the program, each child presented their parents with a candid portrait of themselves on the playground while Miss Shannon Cox sang "I Hope You Dance." The program closed and Mrs. Nancy, Mr. Tommy and the staff hosted a wonderful reception.

The Over the Rainbow Class of 2008, Leah Ann Banks, Branson Beggs, Kaitlyn Bentley, T.J. Bradley, Anna Rose Cunningham, Abigail Dawkins, Isabella Dawkins, Jordan Deason, Carlin Gibson, Gavin Heitmann, Kirsten McKellar, Madison Pia, Tristan Pia, and Kellen Smith, want to thank Mrs. Nancy, Mrs. Terry and all the staff for their help in getting us ready for "Big School." We love you all and even though we are leaving the Rainbow, the memories will always be in our hearts.