DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI – Dearborn Heights Montessori Center (DHMC) honored 18 graduates of its middle school program during the school’s 22nd graduating class ceremonies. Several of the students attended DHMC for more than 10 years, beginning with the preschool program.
Beginning in the fall, graduates will attend high schools throughout the metropolitan Detroit area including Bloomfield Hills Andover, Cranbrook Kingswood, Crestwood, Detroit Catholic Central, Divine Child, Mercy High School, University of Detroit Jesuit and University of Liggett.
Dearborn Heights Montessori Center’s eighth grade graduates from left to right in the front row, are Fatima Awn, Dearborn; Tasia Gabriel, Detroit, Sally Khazaal, Dearborn Heights; Steven Manrique and Jade Barreto, Dearborn; Neil Hodgins, Livonia; Rachel Robinson, New Boston; Ritsuma Inaba, Farmington Hills; Camilla Cascardo, Dearborn; and back row (l. to r.) Rana Dabana, Dearborn; Seeneen Meroueh, Dearborn Heights; Juliana Hager, Taylor; Albert Grigorov, Dearborn; Kirby Rocha, Detroit; Dane Miller, Dearborn; Mila Resetar, Dearborn Heights; Erik Kobel, Livonia; and Zayd Odeh, Canton.
“We are always pleased to learn that schools are eager to accept our graduates because of the strong foundation they receive in academics, the arts and community service,” said Kay Neff, founder of Dearborn Heights Montessori. “It’s wonderful to stay in touch with our alumni and hear about their many achievements after they graduate from our middle school program.”
Each year a formal ceremony is held to recognize the eighth grade graduating class included musical selections by DHMC elementary students and recognition of service accomplishments along with speeches written and presented by each graduate.
Service activities, in the classroom and in the community, are an integral part of DHMC’s upper elementary and middle school programs. Opportunities for service include reading to younger students, assisting with office projects, visiting senior citizens, operating the school’s hot lunch and recycling programs, and helping the school meet the State of Michigan’s requirements to become a green school.
DHMC also sets a high standard for students to serve as role models for younger children and demonstrate generosity of spirit, responsibility for others, teamwork, leadership, dependability, courtesy, and grace under pressure—building the foundation for a life of good citizenship.
About Dearborn Heights Montessori Center
Dearborn Heights Montessori Center (DHMC) is a non-profit educational community founded in 1972. Now in its fourth decade, DHMC is the largest and longest-established Montessori school in western Wayne County. Programs include toddler, preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school as well as summer programs and academic tutoring. Day care and latchkey are also available for enrolled children. DHMC has received accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is affiliated with the American Montessori Society, Michigan Montessori Society, and the Association of Independent Michigan Schools (AIMS). DHMC preschool and latchkey programs, along with its satellites Livonia Montessori Center and Plymouth-Canton Montessori School, are licensed by the Michigan Division of Child and Adult Licensing. More information is available at www.dhmontessori.org.