Graduates Encourage Young Students, Teachers Through Senior Walk

GRAND TERRACE >> Students at Grand Terrace High School (GTHS) had more to celebrate this past week than just graduation. The first Senior Walk took place June 6, a new tradition initiated by a parent at Terrace View Elementary School, where graduating seniors from GTHS bussed around town to various elementary and middle schools, visiting old teachers and young students as an encouragement to continue in school until graduation. “This event allows seniors to the opportunity to recognize the impact that they have on tomorrow’s future,” said Leilani Bautista, GTHS activities director. “Giving them the opportunity to reflect on their journey toward graduation and continuing to instill a sense of gratitude for those who helped them along the way.” The idea began with Julia Firnkoess, whose children, Trevor and Ava, attend Terrace View. She suggested that it might be a good idea for the graduating students, and with the help of Bautista, the graduating seniors and others at GTHS, they were able to pull it off despite the busy end of the year. The idea snowballed from there, however, and as soon as other schools in the area heard what was happening, the invites started coming. On June 6, a group of 40 graduating seniors from GTHS traveled around Grand Terrace to Terrace View Elementary, Wilson Elementary and Terrace Hills Middle schools. With the help of a small PA system, students traveled through the halls to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” and young students high-fived them as they passed, congratulating them on graduation. Graduates were also able to thank their elementary schoolteachers for their influence in their lives. “Some teachers were overwhelmed with smiles and tears as graduates remembered them and thanked them for having a wonderful impact on their lives,” Bautista said. Graduating students also imparted some wisdom to the elementary schoolchildren through speeches. “Former terrace View students, Maverick Lozano and Sofia Romero-Pozo, ASB class president, spoke to students encouraging them to pursue their dreams and work hard, as well as listen to their teachers and complete homework and class work on time,” Bautista said. “Denise Kidd, valedictorian, also spoke to students about working hard.” As a token of appreciation and congratulations, the class of 2028 at Terrace View presented the GTHS graduating seniors with a class of 2016 lanyard with little handwritten notes tied to them displaying heartfelt messages. “It was a beautiful way for our seniors to give back one final time before soaring off into their futures,” Bautista said. Bautista added that the plan is to make this an annual event, and that next year, they can connect with all the elementary feeder schools. “Going back to the elementary schools provided a practical visual to both students and staff members in reinforcing long range goals and striving toward their dreams,” Bautista said. “For many elementary school teachers, their influence and fruits of their labor are far more reaching than what they ever see.”