Casa Blanca Community School promotes 100 students

June 2, 2023

Emma Hughes 

Gila River Indian News

Casa Blanca Community School held its first all-in-person promotion ceremonies since the COVID-19 Pandemic for the FACE (Family and Child Education) Program, Kindergarten and Fifth Grade students, on Monday, May 22.

The promotions were held consecutively on this day to celebrate students’ achievements in front of school staff and families who gathered in the gym for the morning ceremony.

“It was really something else to be here for the celebration here at the ‘new’ Casa Blanca Community School, at least that’s what I call it, it’s still new to me,” said former Lt. Gov. Robert Stone, guest speaker for the FACE Program promotion.

The school was constructed and completed for the 2021-2022 school year, but due to the pandemic, the school only held drive-thru celebrations and promotions.

CBCS principal Lillian K. Franklin welcomed everyone for the special occasion as seven students from the FACE program, 51 kindergarten, and 42 fifth-grade students promoted.

Lt. Gov. Monica Antone and Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis were featured as guest speakers, congratulating and encouraging the students and giving gratitude to their teachers, school staff, and families. 

During the ceremony, students delivered roses to gift to individuals they admire and who have supported them. After the ceremony, the school provided families and students with a light lunch and cake before concluding.