Springtime is busy for local Dripping Springs photographer Dawn Bodon. Between bluebonnets, high school graduation, and seasonal family photo sessions, her calendar fills up quickly.
This year, though, Bodon had been dreaming up something new. A social media trend inspired her to put a twist on graduation photos—one involving pink gowns, bubbles, balloons, confetti, and her daughter, Hannah, alongside a group of friends all finishing their kindergarten years.
Following some thoughtful coordination with the moms, along with a few Amazon and TikTok Shop purchases, Bodon’s vision came to life.
Making this milestone even more special is that the girls were not actually kindergarten classmates; in fact, they spent their kindergarten years across various DSISD campuses, private academies, and homeschool programs. Still, the girls have built lasting friendships that continue to grow through local activities and shared experiences.
What began in the 2-year-olds classroom of Bannockburn Kids Weekday (BKW) preschool program has continued to blossom nearly four years later. Linda Powers, who taught Hannah and her friends Hope, Remi, and Charlotte at BKW, fondly remembers the girls growing from toddlers into giggly friends during their preschool days. “They have already made so many memories together, and their story is just beginning,” Powers says.
Although they may attend different schools now, the girls find themselves teaming up on the field through DSYSA’s recreational cheer and softball leagues, honing their skills at Hill Country Elite, or owning the stage together at Premiere Dance Center, all while fostering new friendships along the way.
For Margaret Jackson, who has coached her daughter, Marley, and others in cheer, one of her biggest goals has been to teach the girls to celebrate one another and their successes. “It has been such a joy to watch these girls grow, encourage each other, and form friendships that go beyond cheer,” Jackson says. “For Marley and me, being part of this group has meant so much. Seeing the girls laugh together, support one another, and create memories together has been incredibly special.”
Dripping Springs native Bonnie Rouquette has spent several years coaching her daughter, Winnie, and several of her friends in softball. As a former Tiger softball player, the privilege of coaching young girls in her hometown has helped her stay connected to the rapidly changing community.
“Having grown up in Dripping Springs, it can be disorienting to see all the development and unfamiliar faces around town, but what is still so special about this place are the vibrant micro communities,” Rouquette says. “Seeing little faces light up when they see ‘Coach Bonnie’ is a feeling I’ll never get enough of.”
After nearly two hours of a little chaos and a lot of joy and laughter, Bodon’s photoshoot ended with a very poetic yet practical sentiment—these kindergarten girls prove that while Dripping Springs may be growing, it does not mean we have to grow apart.
As for Bodon, she’s already looking ahead to a fun-filled fifth grade graduation photoshoot.