There’s something about this time of year, the late spring sun, the scent of freshly cut grass, and the sound of Pomp and Circumstance as the band practices for the graduation ceremony, that stirs up deep emotion and memories. It’s more than just a graduation song; it’s a musical time capsule. Science tells us that music codes memories in our brains in powerful ways, and hearing that familiar tune brings us back to our own milestones, our own moments of pride and transition.
This year, that feeling was especially personal for me. In April, I had the incredible joy of watching my oldest daughter graduate from college. Earlier this week, another one of my daughters walked across the high school graduation stage. As a mom, I felt the swell of pride and the bittersweet tug of time passing. As your superintendent, I felt even more connected to the many parents, grandparents, and guardians in our HBR community who are celebrating similar milestones. It’s a season of growth, reflection, and hopeful anticipation for what comes next.
Here at Hinckley-Big Rock, cultivating our future isn’t just a theme, it’s a daily commitment. This school year, we’ve seen tremendous growth across all grade levels. Whether it was our kindergarteners being “crowned” as they wrapped up their first year, our fourth graders “knighted” in a celebration of their transition to middle school, or our eighth graders promoted to high school, each moment reminded us of how far our students have come.
And of course, we celebrated the Class of 2025 at high school graduation, students who have grown into thoughtful, capable young adults, ready to take their next steps in the world. What a year it has been!
As we close out the school year, let’s take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy some well-earned summer fun. We look forward to seeing you in August! Please plan to attend the annual Hinckley Business Association Ice Cream Social at Pioneer Park on August 13 from 5–7 PM. It’s the perfect way to reconnect before we kick off the 2025–2026 school year, which begins on Wednesday, August 20.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we are truly cultivating the future—one student, one milestone, one memory at a time.
With gratitude and excitement,
~Jessica
