by Sarah Ribble-Clifton, NJ
On June 28 the Jin-A Child Care Center of Clifton, NJ celebrated an historic tenth Graduation of its Pre-School program as well as the second Kindergarten Graduation. The day was even more special with the celebration of the First Annual Jin-A Alumni Reunion. To date more than 500 children have graduated from the Jin-A program with over 800 children having attended Jin-A for some length of time.
To help celebrate the occasion, honored guest and spiritual mentor Mrs. Mal Sook Lee was on hand as well as Rev. Kim Kil Hwan.
The action-packed day began with the graduation program at 10:30 am. First, the graduates were presented with diplomas by Mrs. Christine Brunkhorst, the director of Jin-A. Next, the graduates presented an entertaining program, including a skit, dance, songs and music & movement routines. The traditional cake cutting was followed by the annual raffle and then lunch. Jin-A wants to thank the many corporate sponsors who have so generously donated many prizes over the years.
After lunch, the Dong Won Korean School, directed by Mrs. Schanker, held a special performance and graduation ceremony. Earlier that morning, the girls dressed in Korean costumes danced and sang at the graduation ceremony. Jin-A provides weekly Korean classes for all its pupils as well as classes after school for older students. Mrs. Schanker, who has been the main Korean teacher for five years, will be moving on to new responsibilities and will be missed by all.
The afternoon Alumni program began with a karate demonstration by Mr. Endo’s Saturday karate program. This was followed by Jin-A alumni presenting selections on the violin, piano, a song, and a gymnastics routine. Everyone enjoyed a swim in the pool, refreshments and fellowship.
A special bond exists among all Jin-A graduates. As the children go on to grade school and higher education they take with them fond memories of a very special place up on a hill, surrounded by God’s creation, guided by loving hearts, building special friendships and memories which will last a lifetime.