Lots of cheers — and plenty of tears, too — marked a series of events Wednesday for Highlands seniors who are set to graduate Friday and embark on their next journey.
Pre-commencement celebrations began with a 9 a.m. walk-through at each of the three former buildings that most students attended as youngsters.
Seniors visited the Early Childhood Center, Highlands Elementary and the middle school for one last time as district students.
At each building, staff and students lined the halls, gave high-fives and shouted congratulations.
It was a bittersweet experience for many.
“While we are all excited looking forward to graduation, it was emotional going back to see the teachers who helped shape us as young kids,” said senior Kylie Hitrik, who plans to pursue a career in criminal justice and forensics.
The brief but final visit brings the educational process full circle, said teacher Sherry Armstrong, a senior class sponsor.
The tradition started in 2017 but was forced to take a two-year, covid-related hiatus.
“Since we started this, every class, teacher, secretary, custodian and administrator has looked forward to this event,” she said.
“The seniors are proud of what they have accomplished and want to see the teachers that helped them get to where they are today.”
It also gives the younger students aspirations for the future.
After school, seniors were invited to participate in the Chalk the Walk event where they leave colorful messages on the sidewalks outside the high school.
The district created a festival-like atmosphere for revelers with a DJ and a variety of food trucks.
The Class of 2022 then embarked on a senior parade, a tradition born out of social distancing during covid.
It quickly has become a much-loved event, with crowds of people lining the streets through town to glimpse the teens in decorated cars waving to the onlookers.
“The best part of the day was seeing all the support from the community during the senior parade,” Hitrik said.
“It’s a unique event at Highlands. Just goes to show: Once a Ram, always a Ram.”
