Alachua County preschoolers celebrate at third annual VPK prom

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB)— Dozens of four- and five-year-old’s dressed in their best hit the dance floor for a morning of celebrating the end of their voluntary prekindergarten journey.

The Early Learning Coalition of Alachua County hosted its third annual VPK prom, marking a milestone for students headed to kindergarten this fall.

Organizers said the event is about celebrating students while helping families prepare for the transition to kindergarten.

For many parents, the event represents more than just a celebration.

“Education is very important for the youth so they can grow up and be strong, black men, smart, black, and women I think that’s important,” said Candace Bass, a parent.

Lisa Scott, another parent, said the event stood out.

“We’ve never seen anything like this before, especially for his group and especially Mother’s Day weekend. We just thought it’d be a great thing, and we have our parent mom group and couple of other classmates were coming so just a great event,” Scott said.

Students shared what they are looking forward to in kindergarten.

David Bass said he wants to “learn about animals, snakes, and crocodiles.”

Sebastian Scott said, “And I can do math and reading stuff and I have my birthday.”

Organizers said the event is part of a larger mission of helping children transition into kindergarten and connecting families with community resources.

The Early Learning Coalition said it plans to continue hosting events to help connect families with educational resources throughout the year.

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