It started out as a few “likes” on FaceBook and it has now grown into an effort to institute a new tradition at Charles Henderson High School and Troy Elementary School.

The graduating seniors, the morning before their Class Day on Friday, May 20th, will don their caps, gowns, cords and medals and board a school bus that will take them to Troy Elementary.  At precisely, 8:30, the seniors will begin at the front doors of the school, and will walk through the halls lined with the elementary students to receive cheers, high fives and lots of clapping from the younger students, administration, and for many of the soon-to-be grads, former teachers.

“I love this idea,” said senior Hillary Barron.  “It is like we get to go back to where it all started for us!”  Indeed they do.  For many of the seniors, they began school in kindergarten at the Hank Jones Early Childhood Center.  They have fond memories of their days at TES and many have stayed in touch with their elementary school teachers.

“I’m not sure we will have a dry-eye in the place,” said TES teacher, Heather Bunn.  “I know I won’t have dry eyes!”

Theresa Sims, TES principal, hopes that this will become a new tradition for the Troy City Schools.  “I think it is a great way to honor the seniors and to show the younger students what they have to look forward to,” she said.  The elementary students will receive orange fans to wave, with a graduation cap printed on them that states the year they will participate in the Grad Walk. “When you see a student with a fan that says they will participate in Grad Walk 2027, it seems like a long time from now.  But really, it will be here before you know it!”