The Soboba Sports Complex was filled with proud family members of the 19 kindergarten students who were graduating from the Soboba Tribal Preschool June 2. With pint-size caps and gowns, the children entered the gymnasium to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance and applause.
Once they were all lined up in front of the stage, Soboba Elder Marian Chacon offered a blessing for the parents, families and all the helpers.
“Heavenly Creator, we ask you to bless these children and to keep them safe as they go on to new adventures,” she said in part.
The Intertribal Bird Singers and Dancers then joined the students, with girls in their traditional bird skirts and boys with their handmade gourd rattles.
After they all took their seats on stage, Preschool Administrator Lenora “Ponie” Mojado welcomed everyone to the event. Her words were heartfelt and a little bittersweet as she recalled the past year working with the students, many who she has known throughout the seven years she has been at the preschool, first as a teacher’s aide and then as a preschool teacher
“It is a great honor to celebrate these kindergartners,” she said. “These children are special to my heart and will forever be my friends.”
Mojado told the children she will miss the talks she had with them throughout the school day as they leave and move on to first grade.
“Remember to feel confident, be fearless, and strive for greatness,” she told them. “Whether you become leaders in the Tribe, work for the Tribe, or pursue careers as educators, lawyers, doctors, I want you all to find success in life. I look forward to seeing you at the Fiesta, softball tournaments, gatherings, and around the Rez.”
She introduced and thanked teachers Laura Aldrete and Elena Vega-Castello for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
“Ms. Elena and I are extremely delighted to welcome you all to our 2025 kindergarten graduation,” Aldrete said. She thanked Tribal Council for their help and support of the school, the families for their continued love, support and encouragement, and all the staff and other teachers at the preschool for all they do every day.
To the students she said, “You have learned so much during your time in kindergarten. You have learned ABCs and 123s, painted beautiful pictures, told wonderful stories, and discovered the joy of learning. Each of you has worked so hard and we are all so proud of you. Dream big and remember each and every one of you is unique and can be and do anything.”
Graduates are Cha’ish Briones, Loovi Burton, Emilia Chapparosa, Kai Crook, Leilani Grant, Jensen Hamilton, Jonathan Helms Jr., Palki Herrera, Dominick Lara, Azalea MacDonald, Kisinta Martinez, Lupitah Miranda, Anthony Ortega, Paa’akal Resvaloso, Tavish Valdez, Jefferey Vallez, Avellaka Vega, Notoowish Velazquez, and Jericho Vivanco.
The students then performed songs before being presented with their individualized certificates of achievement for excelling in math, reading, painting, making friends, and more. A video message by each of them, describing what they had enjoyed most about the school year, was played on the big screen as they posed with their certificate and diploma for photos to be taken.
All of them have set their sights on what they want to do when they grow up. Like most five- and six-year-old children, they might change their minds by the time they graduate from high school in 2037. But for now their plans are to be a professional baseball player (Cha’ish); ballerina teacher (Loovi); veterinarian (Emilia); police officer (Kai); dolphin trainer (Leilani); pizza baker (Jensen); pizza maker (Jonathan); princess or doctor (Palki); Blue Beetle superhero (Dominick); veterinarian (Azalea); chef (Kisinta); veterinarian (Lupitah); helicopter police officer or SWAT team member (Anthony); doctor (Paa’akal); chef (Tavish); astronaut (Jefferey); doctor (Avellaka); professional dirt bike rider (Notoowish); and police officer (Jericho).
Each child received a gift bag of items, such as a plush bear with a mortarboard and diploma, to remind them of the school’s mascot, a Class of 2025 framed photo of the child in their cap and gown, and a yearbook filled with happy memories from the entire year. Gifts also included an American Doll for the girls and Lego sets for the boys, donated to the school by Santa Claus Inc.
The school is now enrolling for the fall semester. For more information, https://preschool.soboba-nsn.gov.
Photos courtesy of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
