ECASD students walk their former elementary school halls just before graduation

EAU CLAIRE — Before walking onto stage at their commencement, students this week walked down memory lane at their former elementary schools just before graduation.

Liz Mosher, Manz Elementary School music teacher, said the tradition is meant to “bridge the gap between high school and elementary school, and show these (elementary) kids where they are heading.”

As the graduating seniors walk the hall, Mosher said it gets the elementary students excited and creates a fun memory for the high schoolers.

With North High School’s graduation ceremony this past Thursday, May 23, and Memorial High School’s graduation today, May 24; students dawned their caps and gowns just the day before.

North visited several elementary schools on Wednesday, and Memorial on Thursday. A total of 23 students signed up to walk the halls of Manz Elementary School in the morning.

On top of elementary students cheering for them, former retired Manz teachers came to congratulate the students they once taught.

“I think it is more enjoyable for the teachers than the students, because we don’t see them once they leave…” said Mosher, laughing. “They were a big part of our teaching career, so it is kind of fun to see them come back.”

But with students finishing the walk, Nevaeh Ruesga, a Memorial graduate who wants to go into nursing at Chippewa Valley Technical College, said it is a bittersweet experience because you never think you’re going to make it this far when you are young.

“I think it is nostalgic, seeing all the teachers who helped you get to where you are now,” said Britta Meyer, another Memorial graduate who wants to go into chemical engineering at Montana State University. “They were there at the beginning of the journey, and now they’re here at the end.”