On June 24, 2016, we gathered for our first-ever Village-wide graduation party at our Lockport Village. It was a special occasion to come together in recognition of our kindergarten, eighth grade, and high school graduates.
The day began with a ceremony to distribute certificates to each of our graduates and commend each youth individually. We also recognized some very special guests, supporters, and partners committed to the educational development of our children: HSBC; Caterpillar; The Bohne Foundation; Lieutenant Rich Harang, Lockport Police; Robert Perretta, Lockport Alderman; Swissôtel Chicago; AMLI Residential; Mosaic; Maureen McKeough, Former Member of the Board of Directors; and Don Biernacki, Board President.
Special thanks to Jillian Hayes, who joined us from HSBC, and offered words of encouragement and congratulations to our children. We are honored to continue our over decade-long partnership with HSBC, one of our most passionate supporters of our College Bound and Beyond program. With the backing of partners like HSBC, we can help ensure that our youth are prepared for the goals of post-secondary education and entering the workforce.
For our high school graduates in particular it was a day of acknowledgment of their hard work and a celebration of next steps. To carry them further in their journeys, our corporate partner Mosaic formally presented laptops to each of our high school graduates—laptops among the 34 that Mosaic and Dell generously donated for educational and case management needs early this spring. Our thanks to Dell and Mosaic for this tremendous gift.
We must also thank Mosaic for sponsoring the day. Over thirty Mosaic Cares, the corporate responsibility arm of the company, volunteers (pictured below) manned field games, distributed treats like popcorn and cotton candy, and brought a great deal of positivity and joy to One Family Illinois youth.
It was a memorable and special day that we hope will be the first of many celebrations like it.
Want a closer look at what the day was like? Enjoy some great photographs.