Phenola Lawrence

CentroNía student

(1989-2006)

Phenola Lawrence

CentroNía Student

(1989-2006)

Good afternoon, parents, teachers, graduates and friends,

What I’m holding in my hands right now is a framed graduation certificate. And not just any certificate, but my Pre-K Graduation certificate from CentroNía. My name is Phenola Lawrence and I began coming to CentroNía in 1990—nearly 16 years ago. I started out in the Pre-K program just like our graduates today, as my family also recognized the need for quality education early in life to develop talented individuals like the young ones we are all here to see.

I can vividly remember those years of my life. They were the most entertaining, and soon I learned, the most beneficial in my life. I developed strong relationships with my teachers and other classmates, which made the transition to elementary school much easier. I developed problem solving skills, critical reading skills, and analytical skills that I still use today as a college student at Penn State and as a summer intern here at CentroNía.

CentroNía’s Pre-K program wasn’t just another way to spend my days as a child, it was preparing me for the bright future that awaited me and that await many of the young people we see here today. CentroNía has since then been one of the major building blocks in my life. Next to family, CentroNía has influenced me in everything I do, from teaching me where to get the best pupusas, to guiding me in my college search.

CentroNía and I have both grown tremendously together, both of us starting out as an infant, expanding side by side, and touching many lives together. Although I am constantly changing and moving about, there is always something that has remained a constant positive factor in my life—CentroNía my second home.

So today I encourage you parents, families and friends to keep CentroNía a prominent factor in your lives as well as the lives of your children. CentroNía has been a tremendous source of help in all aspects of my life and will continue to be in yours and in the lives of our future generation. Have a great day and congratulations to the Pre-K Class of 2007 from your fellow graduate of the Class of 1990.