Mt. Hope a genuine, caring place for kids

I would like to express my thanks, appreciation and admiration to the staff and community of Mt. Hope Nanjemoy Elementar y School. I attended my granddaughter’s “Stepping Up” program on June 7 as she and a number of other wonderful, beautiful, bright and cheerful young classmates stepped up from kindergarten to first grade.

My own sons attended Mt. Hope Nanjemoy nearly 30 years ago — I loved it then and I love it now. As I sat and watched the ceremony and listened to the babies sing in chorus, I looked around at so many of the folks I’ve known for years. Next to them I noticed so many young parents that I remember watching grow up with my own children.

We all sat there watching the next generation that is so fortunate to attend Mt. Hope. We all marveled and giggled together at the little ones, how proud and happy they were. Some were shy, some comical, but all were stunning as they took their certificate and walked across the stage shaking hands with their teachers, the vice principal and the principal. We all clapped for each child; we all were — and are — proud of each and every blessed and beautiful child. We are a community and in my mind there is no better air to breathe anywhere.

Mt. Hope Nanjemoy Elementary School is a genuine, caring, wonderful and safe place of learning. Not just for learning their ABCs and 123s, but for caring and dreaming, and for learning that we are all part of our community and their are no limits in life. Love and joy are contagious and, in this grandma’s opinion, just as important as the air we breathe.