Long Beach’s annual tradition of Grad Walk, which brings high school seniors back to the elementary and middle schools they once attended, got underway on the morning of Friday, June 5.
Dressed in caps and gowns, the students walked the halls, celebrating their achievements and inspiring younger students.
At Lowell Elementary, transitional kindergarten teacher Cynthia Finley gave her class pom-poms to cheer on the seniors and used the visit as a lesson about graduating from high school. Parents and retired teachers also joined the event, adding to its sense of community and nostalgia. The tradition is often compared to a homecoming.
“Watching my senior son return to his elementary school for the graduation walk brought tears to my eyes. Seeing the joy on the faces of students, teachers, and graduates, and watching old teachers reconnect with the children they once taught, was incredibly special,” former Lowell Elementary parent Liz Palmer said. “The time passed far too quickly, but moments like this remind me just how meaningful the journey has been.”
Graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 return to their elementary and middle schools as part of Long Beach’s annual Grad Walk tradition. (Courtesy photo).
Graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 return to their elementary and middle schools as part of Long Beach’s annual Grad Walk tradition. (Courtesy photo).
Graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 return to their elementary and middle schools as part of Long Beach’s annual Grad Walk tradition. (Courtesy photo).
Graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 return to their elementary and middle schools as part of Long Beach’s annual Grad Walk tradition. (Courtesy photo).
Graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 return to their elementary and middle schools as part of Long Beach’s annual Grad Walk tradition. (Courtesy photo).
Graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 return to their elementary and middle schools as part of Long Beach’s annual Grad Walk tradition. (Courtesy photo).
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Graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 return to their elementary and middle schools as part of Long Beach’s annual Grad Walk tradition. (Courtesy photo).
According to Naples Elementary Principal Paula Spenke, some of the Naples Alums did more than parade in the hallways There were “Lots of grads playing handball, tether ball and playing on the monkey bars!”
Naples Elementary principal Paula Spenker is serving her last year at the school because district leadership is moving her to another school — so this year was especially memorable. Some of the Naples Elementary alums did more than parade in the hallways, she said, with former students playing handball, tether ball, and even trying out the monkey bars again.
The school’s graduates from the Class of 2026 were joined by retiring teacher Brad Rudy, who wore his cap and gown. Rudy was a member of the Class of 1976.
When asked about the walk and how he felt Rudy said, “Very emotional; Especially considering I attended Naples and Rogers. Not to mention having graduated from Wilson in 1983, and teaching there since September of 1999.”