VIDEO: Clarence High School Seniors Retrace Educational Journey at Inaugural Senior Walk Through
Graduating seniors at Clarence High School had a chance to retrace their educational path and connect with the teachers and staff that helped them during the high school’s first-ever Senior Walk Through.
“When you’re that young, you don’t get to show appreciation,” said senior Cameron Sproull. “Now we get to say thanks.”
About 150 soon-to-be-graduates took part in the June 4 event, splitting up to travel to all of the elementary schools in the Clarence Central School District, before coming together to tour Clarence Middle School.
Bella Insinna, who helped organize the event, said the day was a positive way for seniors to close their time at the high school. Bella said many of the seniors spent their entire educational career in the district, and could be role models for the students they met during the day.
“It’s a great way to show the younger generation what’s to come,” she said.
Lily Tucker said she was excited by the greeting she received from her former teachers at Harris Hill Elementary School, and seeing students attending classes where she used to attend.
“I love the young kids,” she said. “They’re adorable.”
Gabrianna Lozano, who moved into the district in seventh grade, said the day brought back memories of the teachers she met at Clarence Middle School as a new student.
“They helped me adjust in school life,” Gabrianna said. “I didn’t know anybody. The teachers pushed me into so many different things.”
At Clarence Center Elementary School, students were able to walk through the halls and greet students. A video display in the main hallways showed students photos of themselves from their fifth grade yearbook placed together with a photo of themselves today.
“We’re so proud of you,” said Kimberly Castiglione, a first grade teacher who escorted students through the building. The students' time at the school included time for photos of seniors with relatives who were staff members in the building, and for students who had siblings attending the school.
For staff seeing the outgoing students, the day was described as a “full circle” experience.
“I’m hopeful for them,” said Jessica Bork, a school media specialist at Clarence Middle School. “I told them to do great things for the world.”
The seniors will graduate from Clarence High School on June 29.