Valentine Elementary families gathered for a time-honored spring tradition at the May Day Celebration on April 28.
The morning kicked off with the Heart of Gold Awards. This honor, which began in 1976, recognizes volunteers who have devoted their time and talents to the school community.
Next, more than 600 students took center stage at the event to perform grade-level dances from around the world, which were choreographed by Laura Pollard, elementary P.E. specialist, and coach Wes Gonzales.
Fifth-graders then opened the program with the beloved maypole and sword dance from England, followed by kindergarten closing out the morning with the “Chicken Dance” from Switzerland, a dance tradition which helped start it all. Emcee David Pierce donned a chicken costume for the occasion, which he has been doing for 35 years, to invite parents to join in the fun at the end of each dance.
This event, steeped in tradition and fanfare, brought the Valentine family together again.
Photos by Larissa Althouse
