Local high school seniors take part in “graduation walk” at their former elementary schools
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — In just a little over a week, many Richland One high school seniors will be graduating and heading off to do bigger and better things.
But before they do, some of them are returning to their elementary school where it all began.
For W.J. Keenan High School seniors, “graduation walk” is a way to take one last look at the past before going full speed into the future.
The future graduates parade through the hallways of their old stomping grounds — A.J. Lewis Greenview Elementary School — as the children and many of their former teachers cheer them on.
Principal Lashaunda Evans says the day inspires her young students.
“Education is so important because it’s the gateway to their future. So whatever future they decide, and when I say education, whether or not they’re going to college straight into the work field or into the military, I always encourage them to do what they believe will be best for them and their passion,” Evans says.
Senior Aarav Patel says he’ll be following his passion as he heads to the University of South Carolina in the fall to major in neuroscience and eventually become a surgeon.
“It feels very rewarding. And it really feels like I accomplished something big in my life,” he says.
Reanna and Raven Kennedy-Groomes say they’re ready for what’s next as well.
“I’m going to Francis Marion University to be a nurse,” says Reanna.
“I ship off into the Army on July 23rd, and when I go to the service I’ll be in college for automobile engineering and mechanical engineering,” says Raven.
Robert Chestnut is heading to Midlands Tech to major in business. Breonna Brown is also majoring in business at SC State.
Their words of advice to students?
“Keep going, ain’t no naps when you get up there,” says Robert. ” I would say keep striving, no matter what. As you go, you’ll overcome anything that you feel like you can,” says Breonna.
W.J. Keenan seniors will graduate at 11 a.m. on May 31st in Colonial Life Arena.
