Knox High School’s graduating seniors took one last walk through their old elementary school before they graduate. Wearing their caps and gowns, the seniors walked in procession through the elementary school Friday morning, as “Pomp and Circumstance” played over the school’s intercom. The elementary students lined the hallways to high-five the soon-to-be graduates.
Senior walk-throughs are becoming more common at local schools. This was Knox Elementary School’s second, according to Principal Glenn Barnes. “It began by a few of our teachers mentioning it to not only [High School Principal] Dr. [Elizabeth] Ratliff but also to me, and both of us thought it was a great idea and then afterwards, planned and have executed at least one year of it,” he explains. “This is our second year, so we hope that it’s as successful as last year. I know that our teachers and students sincerely appreciated it. We received lots of comments and compliments.”
Barnes says the senior walk has a big impact on the students. “When our little people see those graduates walking down the hall, it really gives them a focus, as to what they’re here for,” he says. “The converse also helps because when you’re a graduate and you’re looking back on all those years that you’ve been in school, it really gives you a sense, I think, of reward because you, at one point, were that little person in the hallway. And now that you’ve managed to work your way through that, it seems like they get a big grin and smile out of it, too.”
Knox High School Graduation is June 9.
