On Monday, May 19, the graduating class of 2025 took part in one of the school division’s most beloved traditions—the annual Parade of Graduates. Dressed in caps and gowns, the seniors boarded school buses and spent the day visiting each of their former elementary schools and the middle school, celebrating their journey and inspiring the next generation of students along the way.
This annual event, which has become a cornerstone of the graduation season, allows seniors to walk the halls where their academic journey first began. Cheered on by current elementary and middle school students, as well as their former teachers and principals, the graduates were met with handmade signs, high-fives, and rounds of applause at every stop.
The parade not only celebrates the accomplishments of the graduating class but also gives younger students a glimpse of what lies ahead. For many elementary and middle schoolers, seeing the older students in their graduation attire makes the dream of high school graduation feel more real—and more within reach.
As the buses rolled through the city from school to school, the spirit of community and continuity was on full display. From kindergarten to commencement, the Parade of Graduates serves as a powerful reminder that every step of a student's journey matters—and that once you're part of this school community, you're always part of something bigger.
