Capped Cuties-This Day in Norwood History-June 5, 1950

Nursery School Graduates Celebrate With Songs, Skits, and Diplomas at Junior High School

The tiny graduates of the Nursery School conducted by Mrs. Winifred Paine at the Norwood Junior High School stepped proudly into the spotlight Monday afternoon as the Class of 1950 held its annual graduation exercises before a capacity audience of parents, relatives, and friends.

Dressed in white caps and gowns, the children received their diplomas from John Corcoran, principal of the Junior High School, in a ceremony designed to make the young scholars feel completely at ease. For that reason, the entire program was held right in their own classroom—bright, familiar, and decorated in true nursery‑school fashion.

Official Class Photograph

The class posed earlier for its official photograph:

Seated down front, left to right: Leah O’Leary, Peter Larsson

First row, seated, left to right: Sandy Bonney, Robbie Borowski, Dougie Glover, Connie Howard, Susan Larsson, Kathy Donahue, Marianne Barrett

Back row, left to right: Reda Ann Holmberg, Paula Snow, Ruthann Clark, Stanley Palleiko, Johnny Marshouk, Kate Crowley, Eric Brown

(McLean Photo)

A Full Program of Performances

Every member of the class took part in the afternoon’s entertainment, which delighted the audience and showcased the children’s enthusiasm and imagination.

Highlights included:

• “The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” — performed by the entire class
• “The Eensey Weensy Spider” — featuring Paula Snow, Ruthann Clark, and Reda Ann Holmberg
• “Hop Scotch Polka” — with Susan and Peter Larsson and the full supporting cast in costume
• “Daddy’s Little Girl” — sung sweetly by Kate Crowley
• “Hokey Pokey” — starring Reda Ann Holmberg with Robbie Borowski, Paula Snow, Dougie Glover, Johnny Marshouk, Ruthann Clark, Sandy Bonney, and Connie Howard
• “Little Teapot” — performed by Kathy Donahue
• “I Wuz a Wabbitt” — presented by the entire class with Susan Larsson
• “Mary and Her Little Lamb” — portrayed by Connie Howard
• “Jack and Jill” — acted by Leah O’Leary and Peter Larsson
• “I’m a Lonely Little Petunia” — sung by Marianne Barrett
• “Where Is Thumkin?” — enacted by Eric Brown
• “Big Rock Candy Mountain” — sung by Robbie Borowski in a cowboy outfit, closing the program to enthusiastic applause

Diplomas Awarded

Principal John Corcoran praised the young graduates for their accomplishments and presented diplomas to:

Kate Crowley, Connie Howard, Norman Libby, Kathy Donahue, Sandy Bonney, Ruthann Clark, Reda Ann Holmberg, Robbie Borowski, Marianne Barrett, Stanley Palleiko, Susan Larsson, Johnny Marshouk, Paula Snow, Dougie Glover, and Eric Brown.

Ann Clark was absent.

Serving as class pages and assisting Mr. Corcoran were Leah O’Leary and Peter Larsson.

A Charming Afternoon for Families

The ceremony—filled with music, laughter, and proud smiles—captured the spirit of early childhood education at its best. For the families gathered, it was a memorable afternoon celebrating the first of many graduations to come.

Norwood Messenger

Text and images may have been created, edited, colorized, or digitally restored using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini. All content is reviewed for accuracy and historical integrity before publication by the Norwood Historical Society