NORTHBOROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH – Before Algonquin Regional High School seniors graduated, they returned to their elementary schools on May 31.
Donned in their caps and gowns, the seniors walked through the halls of their former stomping grounds, hugging their old teachers and waving as the elementary students cheered them on.
ARHS Principal Sean Bevan said he was aware that other schools in the region hold senior strolls. He reached out to other principals to learn more about senior strolls and various best practices to have them be successful.
“It’s been great. We’ve been able to see our teenagers have a really memorable and emotional and celebratory moment with their old teachers and their old buildings. It’s been a real success,” said Bevan.
The seniors had the opportunity to visit their old schools, including Proctor, Peaslee, Zeh, Lincoln Street, Neary and Finn.
Luke Mansour and Owen Provencal were among the seniors who visited Finn. Mansour said the trip was “very nostalgic.”
“I’m glad to be back because it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while,” he said.
“It’s kind of surreal. Everything is a lot smaller, now,” added Provencal.
Proctor Principal Stacy Mahoney said it was sweet to see the high school students interact with the elementary students.
“Just the way [you see] the littles with their eyes and just looking at them in admiration. But also, in several years, they’re going to see their future, which is really nice as well,” she said.
One of the seniors visiting Proctor was Jon Loizeaux, who has three younger siblings.
“I’ve been around Proctor for a long time, but to come back and to see all of my old teachers and the place I used to hang out with my friends or go into the library or go to the classroom – it’s just bringing back a lot of memories,” he said.
For the elementary students, Bevan said the stroll is a fun opportunity for them to learn what it will be like when they become high school seniors. For the seniors, it’s a chance for them to reflect on the strength of their educational journey in Northborough and Southborough.
“It’s really gratifying because whenever you do something for the first time, it’s hard to know if it’s going to work. It worked really well, and they’re just so many smiles. It’s one of the kind of events that is a winning event for everybody,” said Bevan.
