Winchester, KY – Clark County Preschool celebrated the graduation of its students from swim classes on November 20, 2024, marking a significant milestone in their aquatic education. The ceremony, held at Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation located at 15 Wheeler Avenue, witnessed the achievements of four different classes comprising 43 preschoolers aged three to five.
The swim program, which spanned three weeks, equipped students with essential water safety skills, preparing them for future aquatic endeavors. “They’ve been swimming for about three weeks now, and today is a big turning point in their program because they get to graduate and take these skills that they learned with them [to their] homes,” stated Alexis Spry, a teacher and swim instructor at Clark County Preschool.
During the classes, instructors emphasized crucial swimming techniques, including how to hold their breath underwater, float, dive, and swim using their limbs. Each student received a Red Cross card at graduation, indicating their readiness to advance their swimming skills further.
In addition to certificates, students were presented with goodie bags that included goggles, bracelets, and educational literature about swimming. Parents were invited to capture the heartfelt moments through photographs, making the occasion even more memorable.
A notable guest at the graduation was Dustin Howard, Clark County Public Schools Superintendent, who expressed his support. “It’s always good [when] you can take a picture…especially for [their] parents. They can remember the moment,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of celebrating the children’s achievements.
The swim classes were made possible through funding from the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Friends of Parks and Recreation, signaling a commitment to continuing these essential programs for the community. Spry reflected on the rewarding aspects of the classes, stating, “Watching them learn and grasp it and get confident in doing it,” emphasizing the transformative impact of the program on young learners.
This event aligns with Winchester-Clark County Parks and Recreation’s ongoing mission to enhance community engagement and skill development among local youth. With the success of this graduation, there are high hopes for future swim classes and opportunities for children to become more proficient in water safety.
