The eagle mascot of Weathersfield Elementary School paraded proudly through the Thousand Oaks campus on Monday, leading a group of soon-to-be high school graduates. Seven years after their last days of fifth grade, high school seniors returned to their childhood alma mater for the annual grad walk.
The three dozen graduates, adorned in their caps and gowns, made their way through the familiar walkways of Weathersfield Elementary School. The campus buzzed with excitement as hundreds of current Weathersfield students lined up to cheer them on.
This senior walk tradition is celebrated at all 17 elementary schools within the Conejo Valley Unified School District.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Before the brief parade began, a special reunion took place. A trio of teachers who had taught these seniors during their fifth-grade year joined the crowd, eager to reconnect with their former students.
Retired teacher Sheri Leiken shared her experience to VC Star, noting that some students were difficult to recognize at first. However, name tags with each student’s name and their elementary school photo helped jog memories.
“You look at them, and it all comes back,” Leiken said, reflecting on the flood of memories that surfaced upon seeing her former students.
A Diverse Tapestry of Graduates
Most of the seniors wore the kelly green caps and gowns of Thousand Oaks High School, but there was also an array of colors representing various Conejo Valley schools and even some from beyond the district.
This diversity added a vibrant touch to the parade, showcasing the different paths these students had taken since their elementary school days.
Karen Magaña, a senior from Century Academy, reconnected with her former Weathersfield classmate Kendal Alvarenga before the parade. Despite moving to Simi Valley and attending Royal High School, Alvarenga maintained her friendship with Magaña.
Both reminisced about their time at Weathersfield and recalled how distant high school graduation had seemed back then.
Inspiration for the Future
Magaña shared her hopes that the grad walk would serve as an inspiration to the younger students. “I struggled a lot with school,” she admitted. “It’s a good thing to show them you can do it.” With nieces and nephews currently attending Weathersfield, Magaña’s presence had an added layer of personal significance.
The senior walk tradition not only celebrates the achievements of the graduating class but also serves as a motivational event for elementary school students. It highlights the journey from childhood to young adulthood and reinforces the idea that perseverance and hard work pay off.
Connecting Generations
The event underscored the strong sense of community within the Conejo Valley Unified School District. By bringing together students, teachers, and alumni, the senior walk fosters connections across generations.
It allows younger students to see tangible examples of success and gives graduates a chance to reflect on their growth and achievements.
A Celebration of Success
As the parade concluded, the smiles on the faces of both the graduates and the young students were evidence of the event’s impact. The senior walk is more than just a celebration; it’s a reminder of the support and encouragement that have helped these students reach this milestone.
In the words of retired teacher Sheri Leiken, “You look at them, and it all comes back.” The senior walk is a beautiful testament to the enduring bonds formed during the formative years of education and the bright futures that lie ahead for the Class of 2024.
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