Community Education

Grads take sentimental journey to their old elementary schools

Soon-to-be graduates from Peninsula High School gathered Wednesday in their green caps and gowns, peering around the front entryway of Minter Creek Elementary School.

“Everything looks so small,” one in the group remarked.

Moments later, the students would take a victory lap around the school where most of them spent their formative years.

It’s a scene that played out in elementary schools across Peninsula School District. The annual Grad Walk has become a beloved tradition here as in many high schools throughout the state and across the country.

Peninsula High School graduate John Bowen, followed by Reece Brown, gets double high fives from students at Minter Creek Elementary School during the annual Grad Walk on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.

‘You survived’

“This means a lot to me, because I get to see where I grew up, basically,” said Cailey Laprath. “And now I’m like, finally finished, and it’s just so emotional for me because I hope can see my teachers I used to see. I’m just gonna cry.”

“I’m excited to be here because I get to see all of my old teachers, and I’ve gone to school with all these people since like, kindergarten, so it’s exciting that we all made it this far,” said Faith Smith. “I’m really proud to be here.

Parading through the halls, the seniors got a rousing welcome and huge congrats from current Minter Creek students. The youngsters waved signs and gave the grads high fives as they passed.

“Congratulations, you survived,” read one of the handmade signs. “You’re my hero,” read another.

Gideon Brooks, a fifth-grade student at Minter Creek Elementary School, holds up a sign to congratulate graduating seniors from Peninsula High School during the annual Grad Walk on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.

Inspiration for youngsters

Principal Todd Hering said the Grad Walk brings joy and inspiration to grads and elementary kids alike.

“A lot of the seniors that are here are Minter Creek grads, so it’s fun to see them kind of come full circle. A lot of our teachers have been here for long enough that they remember some of the students, so it’s really cool to make those connections again,” Hering said. “It’s also an opportunity for our students here to see kind of that end K-12 experience. And if they can visualize it, they’re more likely to achieve it.”

The Grad Walk at Minter Creek has grown in recent years. When Hering became principal five years ago, about four or five students returned. This year, there were approximately 30.

Graduate Aiden Lester brought up the rear of the parade, having arrived a tad late.

“I haven’t been here in so long. It’s so surreal,” he said, hurrying to catch up.

Peninsula High School graduate Aiden Lester, who was late to the Grad Walk, hurries to catch up with the crowd at Minter Creek Elementary School on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. Not all graduating seniors in Peninsula School District are able to participate in Grad Walks at their old elementary schools because of their busy schedules leading up to graduation. Graduations in the district will take place Friday and Saturday.

Grad Walk wisdom

After the Grad Walk, the crowd gathered in the gym where Hering pitched questions allowing the grads to share their memories and wisdom. Connor Wilkins had some sage advice for the younger students,

“I’d say focus on school because I think a lot of times you do school for a while and you put your mind to it, and sometimes you feel like, ‘Oh I can I can lose my focus a little bit,’” Wilkins said. “But it will kick you in the butt, and it’s important to stay with it and stick with it and it’ll be worth it.”

Hering says the Q&A is one of his favorite parts of the Grad Walk.

Minter Creek Elementary School Principal Todd Hering welcomes Peninsula High School graduates, many of whom attended Minter Creek as youngsters, to the annual Grad Walk on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.

“When those students, the grads, get an opportunity to answer those questions and share and give back, you just see them beam with pride and that’s really cool to see,” he said. “And then it’s also the fire in the in our students’ eyes as they’re watching this, and they’re just so, like their eyes are huge, and they’re just taking it all in.

“And you just know, in not too many years, that’s going to be our kiddos someday out there on that on that stage. It’s powerful to see that cycle just continue to go every year.”

Peninsula School District Class of 2023

The Academies at Henderson Bay

Henderson Bay High School: 45 graduates

Global Virtual Academy: 10 graduates

Community Transition Program: 7 graduates

Total in scholarships: $22,000

Graduation ceremony: 6 p.m. Friday, June 16 at Sehmel Homestead Park

Peninsula High School

Total graduating: 330

Total in scholarships: $415,000

Graduation ceremony: noon Saturday, June 17 at the Tacoma Dome

Gig Harbor High School

Total graduating: This information was not immediately available because some students are finalizing their eligibility.

Total in scholarships: $187,000

Graduation Ceremony: 3 p.m. Saturday, June 17 at the Tacoma Dome

Minter Creek Elementary School students cheer for graduating seniors from Peninsula High School during the annual Grad Walk on Wednesday, June 14, 2023. The Grad Walk is a beloved tradition in Peninsula School District as in many districts across the state and around the country.