School District Five seniors take part in Senior Walk

For Immediate Release – May 30, 2019

School District Five seniors take part in Senior Walk

IRMO – Hundreds of seniors in Lexington-Richland School District Five will soon graduate, but before they walk across the stage to get their diplomas many walked through the halls of their elementary school.

School District Five started a district-wide tradition this year called Senior Walk.  It provides seniors a time to reflect on how far they have come, while also inspiring the little ones to continue to excel and learn in the classroom.

“This was the first year we did this district-wide,” said Director of Elementary Education Tina McCaskill.  “In the past a couple of schools have done the Senior Walk on their own, but Superintendent Dr. Melton thought that it would be a great plan to have all schools participate.”

Graduates wore their cap and gown as they walked the halls of their elementary school.  As the seniors walked the halls, the very excited younger students lined the halls and couldn't wait to wave or give them a high-five.

“It’s really exciting to come and see the school because it has been years since we have been back,” said Tessa McArthur, Chapin High School graduating senior.  “Seeing the teachers and the students, who don’t even know us, cheer for us really meant a lot.”

Irmo High School graduating senior Katie Weber added, “I wanted to come today because my time at Irmo Elementary was fun.  It gave me the opportunity to reconnect with the friends I made during my time in elementary school that I never get to see anymore.”

Spring Hill High School graduating senior Dara Meissner said she is ready for graduation but that it is also bittersweet.  “It’s really emotional because I don’t want to grow up, but I do at the same time so coming back here is just a whirlwind of memories.”

Dutch Fork High School graduating senior Brianna Looby was excited to participate in the Senior Walk because it meant that she did her job and made it to graduation.

“It makes me feel special to come back here and see everybody and celebrate our accomplishments,” Looby said.  “Many of us haven’t seen each other in years so being able to reconnect this way was really cool.”

Parents were also invited to take part in the event with their children.

“It was great to see the seniors come back to their elementary school to celebrate graduation,” said parent Bruce White.  “It’s a proud day, but it is also an emotional day.  It is an awesome experience to see what this school district has done for them and I am just excited to see what the future holds for them.”

“The parents being involved shows the community support for schools and how important that is,” said McCaskill.  “If they still feel like a part of the school and a member of the school family, then they are part of the community and that is what makes schools successful.”

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