The Salvation Army’s The Right Place Students Take Their First Steps in Their Scholastic Journey

On August 10th, The Salvation Army’s The Right Place in Hartford proudly celebrated the graduation of 48 students between the North End and Sigourney Street locations at The Hartford Citadel. The Right Place Centers offer a family environment for children between the ages of three to five. Whether you might call them early learning, preschool, or school readiness programs, The Right Place celebrates the concept that from the moment of birth, every child is a unique individual.

Decked out in miniature caps and tassels, the children received a diploma, as well as a backpack to use as they start their scholastic career. The backpacks were donated by the Law Office of Lock Lord LLP.

Newly appointed Salvation Army Hartford Citadel officer Major JR Fritsch spoke to the parents who were in attendance, thanking them for entrusting The Salvation Army with their children.

Major Fritsch added, “It’s called The Right Place and we are trying to teach them the right thing. Teaching them and training them so that when they get older, those things that we’ve taught them will always be there.”

The excitement of graduating could be seen on the faces of the children. Many of them displaying a smile from ear-to-ear as they wave to their parents in the audience. Some children even raced across the altar to receive their diploma and backpack. Some fled across the altar so fast, their tiny caps came flying from their heads!

“You could feel a strong sense of accomplishment and pride throughout the room at this year’s ceremony from the students, families, and teachers that work so hard during the school year to prepare each child for Kindergarten.” said Taylor Pratt, Site Director for The Right Place.

For the graduating students of The Right Place, the journey has just begun. The steps they took towards their first diploma are the first of many in what hopes to be a fruitful academic career.

“As their journey at The Right Place comes to an end I feel each student is ready to embark on their next academic journey and use the building blocks of learning that have been instilled in each of them throughout the year through rich learning experiences,” said Pratt. “Congratulations to The Right Place Class of 2018!"

Lauren Fair, Greater Hartford Area Services Director of Social Services, added some final words for the children and their parents, "What a joyful day! These children have brought so much joy to our lives over the last few years. We wish them the best of luck in the future."

Each Center offering The Right Place, operated by The Salvation Army, is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which ensures the highest quality education for children.

The program currently operates out of three Centers, two in Hartford and one in Danbury. Since its inception, The Right Place has educated hundreds of children, preparing them for kindergarten ready to learn.

The Right Place also wishes to thank Jennifer Pettit and everyone at The United Way for their support.

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