I love this tradition we gained out of Covid! One day in June, buses pick the seniors up from the high school and drive them to their old elementary schools and middle schools. They are greeted by cheering students, teachers and parents. They walk the halls, play on the playground, give high fives and receive lots of hugs.
The experience is so special for everyone involved. Jonathan and I went together to watch at North Bend Elementary, where Avery attended for four years before Timber Ridge was built. The old school was buzzing with excitement before the busses pulled up. Pomp and Circumstance played on the outdoor speakers as excited staff, teachers, parents and students with signs lined up. The expressions and reactions from the seniors were full of joy, appreciation giddiness and awe. It all made me verklempt!
I thought they would only walk the halls, but the seniors were led to the playground for one last hurrah. It was adorable watching our (nearly) grown kids run around in their caps and gowns like old times – swing on the swing set, sliding down slides that didn’t quite fit them, playing wall ball and tag with the students who joined them.
They stayed for quite a while before they loaded the bus bound for the middle school. I love not just what this experience gives back to the seniors, but also what it presents for the younger students. They look up to the older kids so much. After school Layla and Silas were excited to tell me about the CatWalks at their schools and which familiar faces they saw. Layla got to wear her Wildcat Cheer uniform and her squad made a tunnel for the seniors to walk through with their pompoms. Our community gives quite a special sendoff to our Seniors!
Not a bad view!
Dalton, Hayden & Avery all rode the bus from Deer Park to North Bend Elementary together for four years (before Timber Ridge was built and we had our Bellingham stint).
Playing Wall Ball, just like old times 
On the Buddy Bench
Being silly – as always!
Avery, walking up for a hug
His Senior announcement in the yearbook!
A friend took this pic of us clapping for Avery at his last high school track banquet
Logan, Avery & Elijah, Freshman year
