Maliseet Head Start graduates 20

By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    LITTLETON — Excitement was in the air with the impending Head Start graduation last Wednesday at the Maliseet location on Bell Road as children dressed in their colorful red and yellow regalia. They were  hardly able to contain their infectious enthusiasm as they prepared for the ceremony which was highly anticipated by family and friends. Although one of the children was absent due to illness, 19 were there for the ceremony officiated by Maliseet Tribal Chief Brenda Commander who congratulated them on their accomplishments.
    Cindy Hutchinson, director of Maliseet Head Start, said the two-year creative program for 3- 4- and 5-year old students prepares them to go into kindergarten. She said she feels lucky to include the Native-American cultural aspect to the curriculum of teaching social skills and motor skills as well as alphabet, numbers, shapes and colors. Hutchinson added that 15 Native-American children will return next term to the program that is open to non-Native-American children as well.
Pioneer Times photo/Elna Seabrooks
GRADUATION-READY IN REGALIA — Before going across the street to the Maliseet Head Start graduation ceremony, the excited students paused for a group photo in their play yard. From left in front are: Hailey Suitter, Sasha Caron, Dylan Raymond, Samara Richards, Cindy Hannigan, Breanna Connors, Grace Foster, Amaya Carmichael, Hunter Quint, and Jason Carmichael. In back are: Evan Berube, Dawson Tucker, Lana Jay, Head Teacher Karen Cirulli, Dylan Tibbetts, Marissa Dow, Braden Dow, Gage Hanning, Emily Crandall and Assistant Teacher Karin Morey.
    Prior to the children’s performance at the graduation ceremony, Hutchinson said: “They’ve been practicing their songs and their drumming. It’s part of their everyday activities – to sing and drum. It’s part of the culture that the Maliseet children have learned.”
    Head Teacher Karen Cirulli said: “The children really sang and drummed the ‘Dream Song’ well.” She says each student receives a certificate of completion for the year and school photos. Assistant teacher, Karin Morey added that “the younger children did exceptionally well by staying in place during the performance since younger children often want to run over to their parents.”