It’s a long walk through the hallways of time for a person on their way to Point B from Point A, but in retrospect that walk can seem like an awfully short one, which is what some graduating seniors of the Old Rochester Regional Class of 2017 experienced on Friday, June 2, the day before their graduation.
The annual “Senior Walk” is a new tradition; nonetheless, it is one that has rapidly taken hold at the high school and the four elementary schools that produced the graduates of today after years of dedication and nurturing.
Friday was the day when the 2017 graduating seniors returned once more to their respective elementary schools and entered those doors for the last time as students before graduating and moving on from that hallmark of life to the next.
Many arrived at Rochester Memorial School to witness the occasion, as seniors disembarked the bus that brought them to their alma mater for one last goodbye to their student selves, bringing with them inspiration to the elementary school kiddos and pride to their former teachers.
“What a wonderful tradition. I just love it,” said Rochester School Committee member Robin Rounseville as the guests, teachers, administration, and RMS students all lined up against the walls of the corridors to await the arrival of the 2017 graduates from Rochester.
After a few photos in front of the school, the seniors entered the building to the traditional tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” also known as ‘the graduation march song,’ ringing throughout the building over the loudspeaker. As they marched down the halls dressed in their ORR-red regalia, students clapped and cheered and sought high-fives from the passing grads.
“Way to go!” “Great job!” “Congratulations!” the kids called out. Teachers could be overheard telling their elementary students that they, too, would one day walk the halls of RMS as seniors.
Some grads openly expressed emotion. Others just smiled brightly and widely.
Favorite teachers from the past, most notably Danni Kleiman who is retiring at the end of this school year, were ready with outstretched arms for a congratulatory hug and posed for photos before the students took the walk outside to the playground scrambling with kids in the midst of the RMS Fitness Field Day. The seniors then re-boarded their bus and returned to the high school. Graduation was held Saturday, June 3.
By Jean Perry
