Dobbins to speak at Jefferson Elementary School kindergarten graduation

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., May 1, 2008 -- Kenneth W. Dobbins, president of Southeast Missouri State University, will be the featured speaker May 22 at the kindergarten graduation ceremonies at Jefferson Elementary School in Cape Girardeau.

Graduation is scheduled for 6 p.m. in the Jefferson Elementary School gymnasium.

About 60 kindergarteners are expected to graduate, said Leasa Maxfield, Jefferson kindergarten teacher.

Dobbins' visit to Jefferson follows a field trip the kindergarteners made to Southeast Missouri State April 16. The April 16 all-day field trip was sponsored by the Southeast chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an education honor society. The trip was designed to give children a vision for their future, including earning a college degree.

Maxfield said the children toured a number of buildings, including Academic Hall, saw Dobbins' office and learned that his role "is like being the principal" of the school

Dobbins' address to the graduating kindergarteners now brings their field trip to Southeast full circle, Maxfield said.