Old and new teachers at McCall Primary School in Acworth took a stroll down memory lane as they were surprised by students from the school’s first graduating class, who’ll graduate from high school this year.
The teachers were gathered for an event in the school’s library when about two dozen seniors from North Cobb High School, who graduated from the first grade at McCall in 2005, were led in. The school teaches kindergarten and first grade.
Randy Samba, 18, said he remembered being pushed by his teacher, Amy Crawford, to do schoolwork he didn’t find important.
“I hated doing essays,” he said. “But doing it over and over, and her encouraging me, I realized how necessary it was.”
He’s going to Kennesaw State University in the fall to study electrical engineering.
Counselor Melakiya “Missy” Johnson, who put together the event, said another coworker mentioned several months ago that the school’s first graduates would graduate from high school this year, and planning for the event got underway. Johnson said she decided to collaborate with North Cobb High, the feeder school, to schedule something when the students were able to get away.
“This wasn’t only for the graduates,” said Johnson, who has been at the school since it opened. “And we’re only kindergarten and first grade, so we don’t get to see them for long-term periods. To hear how (the teachers) planted a foundation in these students after all this time was so special.”
The students, standing in two rows in front of the assembled educators, spoke of their memories of the school, from playing at recess, getting in trouble for writing on a desk, hearing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” play often over the intercom, to learning an interpretive dance to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Most of the students shared stories of how the teachers encouraged them. Many spoke of how the teachers helped them overcome language barriers and to be more outgoing.
“I can’t even explain it,” kindergarten phonics teacher Kathy Slick said after seeing the students. “To see the fruits of your labor … it’s such a validation.”
A few more students appeared as a special surprise for Trisha Hardin, who has been at the school since it opened and recently announced her retirement. One of the students, originally from China, said Hardin was a huge encouragement and very patient as the girl learned English.
“I teach because I want to make an impact in children’s lives,” Hardin said, wiping tears from her eyes. “I want to let them know there’s nothing they can’t do if they want it. I always tell them your brain follows what you think.
“This was just … so gratifying.”
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