Winnisquam seniors revisit past schools

TILTON — As graduation day approached, Winnisquam Regional High School started a heartwarming new tradition: the senior walk. This initiative sees graduating seniors return to their former elementary and middle schools to reconnect with past teachers and inspire younger students. The goal is to strengthen community ties and offer seniors a moment to reflect on their educational journey within the Winnisquam community.

The seniors visited Winnisquam Regional Middle School, Southwick School, and Sanbornton Central School. Each school celebrated the seniors in unique ways, including homemade signs and cards, a festive balloon arch, and even the return of retired teachers to celebrate their former students’ successes.

At the middle school, administrators organized a “serpentine walk” so seniors could pass by every student in the building. Winnisquam Regional Middle School Principal Chris Ennis emphasized the importance of this connection, stating, “It’s important for middle school students to connect with our seniors and start that visualization of themselves someday graduating from WRHS and earning that walk amongst the students of Winnisquam.”

These visits provide a unique opportunity for younger students to witness the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, offering a tangible vision for their own academic futures. 

Jason Javalgi of Sanbornton Central School said, “I think it is so nice to have the seniors return and walk through where they first started their educational journey. It is not only a great memory for them, but also for our students, so they can see where they will be one day.”

The senior walk offers a meaningful sense of closure for the graduating class. For many seniors, walking through the familiar halls of their former schools evokes fond memories and a profound sense of pride in their accomplishments. 

As senior Gianna Ball said, “Graduating feels like turning the page on a chapter that I thought would never end — it’s exciting, scary and beautiful all at once. Walking past the kids in the middle and elementary schools made it feel real — like I was seeing the version of myself that started this journey. I am proud of how far I have come, and even more excited to see where I will go.”

For more information, visit wrsdsau59.org