As graduation day approached, about 200 Staples High School seniors took a nostalgic journey back to their elementary school for the district’s first annual “senior walk” last Friday, June 7. This new tradition had soon-to-be graduates walk through the halls of Long Lots, Coleytown, Kings Highway, Saugatuck, and Greens Farms elementary schools to reconnect with the past before stepping into the future.

Sporting their graduation caps and gowns, seniors were greeted by enthusiastic cheers and high-fives from former teachers and current elementary students as well as a playlist of songs from 2017. The walk served not only as a reminder of how far they have come but also as an inspiration to the younger students who one day aspire to follow in their footsteps.

"Bringing the seniors back to their elementary school is a powerful reminder of the community's impact on their educational journey,” said Stafford Thomas, Staples High School principal. "It's a full-circle moment that highlights their achievements and inspires the next generation to dream big."

The new tradition is a poignant reminder of the community's role in each student's journey. For the graduates, it is an opportunity to reflect on the friendships, lessons, and experiences that have shaped their education. For the teachers and staff, it is a moment of pride, seeing their former students prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives. The walk strengthens the bond between different generations of students, fostering a sense of continuity
and support within the school community. As the seniors walked these familiar halls one last time, they carried with them memories and aspirations that will guide them as they move forward.

Staples graduated 430 seniors yesterday, June 10, 2024.