SHREWSBURY – Shrewsbury High School seniors took one last stroll through their preschool and elementary school classrooms.
In the days before and after the Class of 2024’s graduation ceremony on May 30, seniors had the opportunity to return to their old stomping grounds, reuniting with former teachers, celebrating with current students and revisiting their old cafeteria, gymnasium, and playground. Dozens of students, dressed in mortarboard caps and gowns, attended these Senior Walk activities.
“It’s so great to have them back. You can just see how excited they get. Even if they don’t remember every detail, there’s always one memory from preschool they remember and hold on to,” Preschool Director Bridget Nichols said while the seniors were visiting Parker Road Preschool on May 29. “The preschool students get so excited. It’s something for them to aspire to. They get swept up in the moment as well. They’re cheering and hollering. The teachers—for the teachers that had the students—they remember all these specific details that even parents and the kids themselves don’t remember.”
At Parker Road—and many of the district’s other events at Floral Street Elementary School (June 3), Calvin Coolidge Elementary School (June 3), Spring Street Elementary School (June 4), and Walter J. Paton Elementary School (June 3)—students gathered in the hallways to high-five the graduates. The graduates were invited to speak to the preschool students at Parker Road, and at Paton, the students and graduates gathered outside to celebrate and engage in a brief dance party.
At Spring Street, graduates found the school’s Class of 2016 plaque with all of their names on it.
“Spring Street School is such a special place. The kids love coming back to see their teachers. It’s a great send-off for them, to complete their Shrewsbury Public Schools experience,” said Erin Boucher, who organized the event alongside Katie Heald.
“This place holds very special memories,” said Heald.
