31 Oak Knoll School Kindergarten Students Graduate to First Grade

A joyful and animated group of 31 Oak Knoll kindergarten students “bloomed where they were planted” this past school year as they lived and acted out the Parable of the Mustard Seed and Parable of the Sower during the school’s Kindergarten Graduation on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. The on-campus celebration was held in the Mary Mother Campion Center for the Performing Arts for parents, family members, and teachers.

The celebration included prayers, joyful songs, parables, presentations of graduation certificates, and special blessings. 

Revered John Dennehy, Seton Hall University Chaplain, addressed the Kindergarten Class of 2022 and passed around mustard seeds to the children.

“Even though these mustard seeds are tiny, they grow up to be big,” said Revered Dennehy. “The seed of God’s love blooms for everyone.” 

“The Parable of the Mustard Seed teaches us that God’s word is like the wind – we never see it, but we can see the effects of the wind. God’s word is inside each one of us, so you must always be open to that seed of God which is the seed of love. I encourage you to always be open to God and when he speaks to you. People have been teaching you but remember you can also teach people. Inside every one of you is the spirit of wisdom and knowledge and learning and understanding.” 

Oak Knoll Head of School Jennifer G. Landis and Lower School Division Head Christine Spies handed each student their graduation certificates and then posed for a photo.

The Kindergarten students closed out their graduation celebration with the song, “First grade, first grade,” set to the famous tune, “New York, New York.” A special reception for the kindergarten graduates and their families was held at the Lower School following the celebration.