Shane LeMaster holds the Carson Trophy presented to him during the first graduation class of G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School. The fifth grade student won a $1,000 scholarship for his future college endeavors. Photos by Mel Toadvine

History was made in Lehigh Acres for the G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School when it graduated it very first class from Lehigh’s newest elementary school. The special event was June 10 and the parents, grandparents and friends were invited to turn out to watch 57 youngsters march up on the stage and receive their diplomas. Now the students will transfer on to sixth grade at their choice of middle schools.

The ceremony, which lasted nearly an hour, had everything going for it except the students were not wearing caps and gowns. But the lack of caps and gowns didn’t slow the excitement of the students as several of them were given awards and they were cheered by fellow students and parents.

Looking on during the ceremony on stage and handing out the diplomas was Jane Hipps, widow of educator of G. Weaver Hipps, for whom the school was named. Mrs. Hipps often visits the school and is a familiar face to the student body.

Dr. Scott LeMaster the popular school principal with both students and teachers opened the program with a welcome and closed the ceremony with advice about the children’s future and their educational goals.

“Remember always that you were the first glass that graduated from our school. Take that information with you and let everyone know,” he said. “We had a great second half of the year and I am very proud of each and everyone of you.”

Graduating from G. Weaver Hipps is the first class for the school. Some 57 students were given diplomas as they graduated from the school into middle school status.

Mrs. Hipps also presented the Carson Foundation Scholarship to student Shane LeMaster who was honored for his scholastic abilities and extra circular activities. The Foundation awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be used when he starts college after graduating from high school. In addition to a certificate, he got a handsome trophy, almost as tall he is.

Fifth grade teachers Benita Gibbons and Amanda Guzman honored two students – Marissa Johnson and Shane LeMaster and the Boy and Girl of the Year. And prior to that presentation, teacher Michael Harris gave brief remarks about the past year with the class.

While future graduations will be special, Principal McMaster said the first is history and they wanted to go all out for the children.

He said a special mural had been painted at the back of the cafetorium honoring the first graduating class of the school. The artist who did the giant painting and did not charge for his services was Ervey Ortiz of North Fort Myers.

G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School opened Aug. 24, 2009. Students came from several elementary schools. Before it became the permanent Hipps school, it was a staging school for the East Lee County High School and was one time a K-mart store on Homestead Rd. When the Lee County School District purchased the building, it did a complete renovation and make-over of the building as a top notch school at 1200 Homestead Rd.

Mural presented to first graduating class of G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School by Ervey Ortiz

Boy and Girl of the Year - Marissa Johnson and Shane LeMaster

Principal Scott LeMaster holds microphone as students sing the National Anthem at graduation ceremonies.