What a night

WASILLA — Guests in fine slacks and fashionable skirts, good food and pleasurable conversation and impeccable speakers and solemn honorees. One could have wondered if the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony were this past Thursday at Iditarod Elementary School.

It may be the same guests in 30 years, but on this night the excitement was for the first Iditarod Elementary Awards Ceremony. For years, the ceremony was a mid-day assembly, inaccessible to working parents and often rushed as teachers waited to get back to their classrooms. And for years, fewer and fewer parents would make it, with parent attendance at the 2006-2007 assemblies often falling below 20. They would sit in the back row, having no chance to congratulate or communicate with their children.

Thursday was a completely different scene, with parents sitting with their children, conversation and smiles abounding, and an atmosphere of camaraderie. There were more than 300 in attendance, and every student present was accompanied by family.

There were several honorees for sports, including one Kimberly Ingraham, who received first place in a district track meet.

“I know,” she said, posing with her medal, “Ain’t I the greatest?”

Sport awards were quickly followed by academic awards, with the applause staying enthusiastic as time passed.

Then the food was served. Students and parents graciously waited their turn as a crowded gym became four serving lines with more speed and politeness than is normal for school activities. Teachers were everywhere, serving food, refilling juice coolers and passing out drinks. This was one night where parent volunteers got to relax with their children.

Nearly every parent offered words of appreciation and commendation for an awesome evening. If students didn’t directly thank teachers, their bright smiles and eager attitudes were all the thanks any educator could ask for.

Finally, it was time for the night to end. Students reluctantly put on their jackets and dragged their feet as they left what could possibly be one of the most memorable nights of 2008 for the school. Many parents and students offered help to clean up and everything was put away in a fraction of the time it took to set it up.

Lukis Nighswonger is a third-grade teacher at Iditarod Elementary School.