Grad Walk.
Hands down one of THE best things I’ve ever been a part of. It truly is one of the things I’m most proud of during my time as an educator.
Eight years ago, I watched a viral video (along with a bazillion other people) of a small town in Texas in which their graduating seniors walked the halls of their former schools in their caps and gowns. I knew in a district our size we could do this – and even better! I grabbed the ear of Fife High ASB/Leadership teacher Brian Meyer and the rest is now history; or as we say in Fife, a tradition!
We gather all the graduates in the high school cafeteria the morning of the Grad Walk. I love to share with them how proud we are and a bit of the “why” behind this affirming event. Many of the students started their journey in Fife, while many have moved into our Fife Family at another point in time. We tell the students that it doesn’t matter when you arrived you are now part of Fife for Life and over 3,000 of their fellow students can’t wait to show them how excited they are for them.
We also share that other part that makes this so special is that our K-11 students get an opportunity to see their future. They can imagine themselves in the diversity of seniors walking the halls of their former schools and can dream big. I just love that part so much!!
After sharing this and a bit of how the walk will transpire, we load the seniors onto five school buses and off we go! As we arrive at each school, that building’s principal welcomes the buses and along with the high school principal leads the parade of graduates through the school. Each hallway is filled with students, staff, and family members waving signs and showing so much love.
Grad Walk. This might have been my last one to facilitate and lead, but I’m leaving a piece of my heart behind with the all the ones to come.
Click the link below to view a highlight reel from Grad Walk 2023!
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