PHOTO COURTESY GELC

Grandview Early Learning Center hosted an end-of-summer and back-to-school celebration for youth and their families Aug. 27. Food from a variety of tribes, singing, dancing and playing was the name of the game for the more than 200 people who showed up to celebrate.

GELC throws end-of-summer bash

By Clare Jensen

Grandview Early Learning Center (GELC) was the hot spot to be Aug. 27, as the second-annual back-to-school celebration attracted more than 200 people.

Parents of GELC youth and other visitors packed the parking lot as they arrived for a night of delicious cultural food, performances and back-to-school giveaways.

The Nisqually Canoe Family opened the night with song, before guests were able to sample a variety of indigenous foods, from the tropical tastes of native Hawaii, to the fresh coastal Indians’ seafood to the buffalo meat honoring the Plains tribes.

“It was really nice – very, very successful,” said Peggy McCloud, director of GELC who hosted the second back to school celebration. “It was even larger than last year, and the food was wonderful.”

Part of the celebration was a mini pow-wow for youth to dress up and perform for their parents, relatives and friends. They also received backpacks and school supplies to prep the school-aged children for their upcoming school year.

Peggy McCloud thanked all the parents and relatives for coming out to share in a celebration with their little ones. She also thanked her hardworking staff for pulling the event together.

“There was lots going on that night,” she said. “Everyone worked hard at Grandview.”

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