It was a good day for everyone Wednesday at Bright Beginnings Preschool. Not only did the 2014 class hold graduation ceremonies in front of a packed house, but Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson also used the occasion to ensure many more classes graduate from the program by presenting the school with a check from the city for $75,000.

Johnson presented the check to outgoing Director Willie S. Thomas, who is retiring from the program after 11 years.

“He’s going to leave some mighty big shoes to fill,” Johnson said.

Thomas said the program has grown from being able to support 10-to-15 students, to now being able to accommodate 80.

But the main attraction Wednesday morning was not the thousands of dollars donated, but the 31 preschoolers moving on toward kindergarten.

Graduating from Bright Beginnings this year were: Jaidyn Andre Ball; Andrew Dewayne Berry; Elijah Jaquin Busch; Tanner James Brogden; James Lee Lenton Cassady; Kamiya Makayla Chambers; Courtnie Lynn Davis; Londyn Kanei Jackson; Alexander Jay Floyd; Ashlyn Jalayah Johnson; Demetrius Antonio Grace; Catherine Ann Kime; Kaleah Johnae Gurley; Lowell Edward Lankfod II; Sierra Rilley Jackson; Amerra Jae McMullen; Jacob Ryan Mitchell; Samuel Eugene Meadows; Nicholas Brodie Mullen; Ava Skye Padgett; Summer Elizabeth Pettis; Dayton Christopher Smith; Jaxson Wyatt Russell; Armani Dean Spence; Journi Ayrie Stinson; Jason Allen Todd; Ashton Jaqualyn Summers; Zavier Dashawn Williams; Jordan Ricardo Williams; Rose-Lynn Jeanne Woods; and Jackson Alex Zander Woods.