Preschoolers Graduate with Fanfare

With proud families watching, 22 Watsonville Children's Center preschoolers matriculated to kindergarten Friday morning.

The group, mostly 5-year-olds, wore gold gowns and black caps as they collected their diplomas, a white carnation and an award from state Assemblyman Luis Alejo.

"For me, preschool is the beginning of their stepping stoens," longtime preschool teacher Hilda Angeles said. "Children are so apt for learning at a young age... These are the most important years to them, I think."

Angeles would know. She's taught preschool in Watsonville for three decades. Among year's class of graduates was Mitzel Dodge-Rocha, Watsonville City Council Member Daniel Dodge's grand daughter. Angeles also taught three of Dodge's four sons, including Mitzel's father Daniel Dodge Jr.

"I've been here a long time," Angeles said.

Watsonville Children's Center is a preschool operated by the Pajaro Valley Unified School District. It's at 32 Madison St., near Mintie White Elementary and E.A. Hall Middle schools, and serves kids from the neighborhood.

The curriculum focuses on the sounds letters make, shapes, the alphabet and nonviolent problem solving.

"You begin to see these little light bulbs go off," Angeles said.

The graduation ceremony Friday hopefully triggered a few more of those flashes. Mayor Eduardo Montesino handed out diplomas with help from Margarita Cortez, a Cabrillo College trustee and the executive director of Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes. Tony Madrigal, who represents Alejo's office, gifted each child a proclamation honoring the accomplishment.

Daniel Dodge, who represents the city council district where most of the students live, sat quietly in the back. With mug of coffee in his hand, he watched his grand daughter graduate.

"That young energy, it's really alive here," Dodge said.