This past Friday, my 5-year-old graduated from Pre-K at the Clemmons Library — and I can confidently say I was not emotionally prepared.

Now, I went into this expecting your typical preschool ceremony: kids in oversized caps, maybe a group mumble of the alphabet song, a juice box toast, and possibly someone crying because they dropped their snacks.

But what I got was… a show.

I’m talking full choreography, coordinated hand gestures, and a VERY diverse playlist. Because these kids weren’t just singing “Wheels on the Bus” — oh no.

They gave us:

• Celine Dion’s “Because You Loved Me” (emotional devastation, led by four and five year olds)
• Shakira’s “Waka Waka?” (a motivational anthem delivered with intense freestyle interpretive dance)
• And…Wait for it, “I Believe I Can Fly” — a bold choice, controversial artist aside, but delivered with such sincerity that the crowd had no choice but to cheer and cry a little.

All of this happened in the middle of the Clemmons Public Library, mind you — In the same room that, back in November was full of Voting Stations.

And somehow, it worked.

There we were, proud parents clapping like maniacs, grandparents filming on their iPhones, trying to get the perfect shot.

He winked at us mid-performance with the calm confidence of someone who just a week ago, wore his underwear on his head. He may not have hit every move, but he hit every moment — and really, isn’t that what it is all about?

After the show, he proudly held his certificate, which will 100% be going on the fridge until it disintegrates. He told us he’s now officially a Kindergartner which apparently means he no longer accepts bedtime as a concept.

His mom and I were beaming — the kind of proud that makes you forget the times that he made us consider adoption (Just Kidding)

This wasn’t just a graduation. It was a reminder that our little boy is growing up — confidently, loudly, and with just enough dramatic flair to keep us on our toes.

Owen, Here’s to kindergarten, to letting your heart go on, and to believing you can fly.

-Matt Webb