WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
High school seniors take trip down memory lane
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » A new tradition may have started Monday at schools throughout the Saratoga Springs City School District.
Following graduation practice at Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center in the morning, buses filled with students went to the six elementary schools, dropping off seniors at the elementary schools they attended years ago in cap and gown. Elementary school students lined the hallways, cheering and high-fiving the soon-to-be graduates.
The district’s Graduation Committee came up with the idea.
“The committee wanted to expose our elementary school students to the wonderful benefit of the hard work that students put into earning their high school diploma, and sharing that with their elementary school students and really making this a communitywide celebration,” Superintendent of Schools Michael Patton said.
Jessica Kohn moved to Saratoga Springs midway through elementary school, so Caroline Street Elementary School marked the beginning of Saratoga for her.
“I just thought it would be really cool to come back and see all of the little kids. It’s kind of sentimental,” Kohn said. “It’s a great idea. It shows kids, ‘If I work hard, I’ll be just like them.’ That’s the angle. Just keep on moving forward.”
Kohn will attend Binghamton University in the fall.
Joining Kohn Monday was Elizabeth Fox. Fox, who will study film at
Stanford University next year, said she hadn’t been at Caroline Street in a long time.
The two were among nearly 20 that were celebrated by students and teachers Monday.
“I like seeing the kids, knowing that I was in their place at one point and knowing that they are going to be where I am now,” Fox said. “My sister graduated a couple years ago, and she didn’t get to have this experience, so I’m thankful.”
Graduation commencement takes place Friday morning at SPAC. Patton said Monday’s event is something the district hopes will continue.
“The students felt that this was a great way for them to give back, and what an awesome opportunity to see their elementary teachers and to thank them for their support over the years,” Patton said.