BALDWIN PARK – Baldwin Park Unified’s Tracy Elementary students raised colorful congratulations signs and cheered along to Queen’s “We Are the Champions” as they welcomed 41 of Sierra Vista’s graduating seniors during the high school’s inaugural Senior Walk.

Seniors – wearing their caps and gowns – were greeted by more than 150 third- through fifth-graders and educators, who cheered and waved pom-poms to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating students.

“I was surprised to see so many of the students cheering and happy to see us,” graduating senior Jason Nguyen said. “It was emotional coming back to see many of my past teachers, it was fun and I’m glad I did it.”

The Senior Walk returned Sierra Vista students to their educational roots to thank teachers for impacting and inspiring their academic careers. At each of the nine feeder elementary schools, more than 230 seniors presented teachers with invitations to attend their graduation ceremony.

“It was really special seeing past students, congratulating them on their successes and wishing them all the best in the future,” fourth-grade teacher Francisco Montes said.

Some of Sierra Vista’s seniors volunteered at Tracy during the school year and were familiar with many of the younger students. Tracy students gave out signs they made for specific seniors and shared final hugs.

“Seeing the seniors dressed up made me excited to go to high school and to graduate,” Tracy third-grader Zoey Linblabe said. “I’m going to miss having them in my class.”

Elwin Elementary greeted 43 seniors and De Anza welcomed 37. Bursch received 25 and Foster had 22 students attend. Santa Fe greeted 12, Vineland had 10 and Walnut met with 8 seniors.

Kenmore Elementary hosted an assembly for its 33 seniors, where each imminent graduate shared college plans. Teachers high-fived the students to congratulate them for reaching this point in their education.

Part of the No Excuses University network, Kenmore promotes higher education and academic success. The graduating seniors served as role models for the elementary students to motivate and inspire them to complete high school and prepare for college.

“Our teachers work tirelessly to assist students in achieving their educational goals, and here they were able to see the result of their hard work.” Baldwin Park Unified Superintendent Froilan N. Mendoza said. “We are so proud of our graduating seniors for all of their accomplishments, and we are excited to see where their education takes them. Congratulations to the class of 2017.”

PHOTOS

BPUSD_SENIORWALK_1: Sierra Vista senior Ashley Perez is welcomed to Tracy Elementary with student-made congratulations posters and hugs. The inaugural Senior Walk held May 26 gave graduating seniors the opportunity to celebrate with elementary students and past teachers.

BPUSD_SENIORWALK_2: Tracy Elementary third-grade teacher Sam-Ana Fenwick and Sierra Vista senior Alissa Orozco reunite for the high school’s first-ever Senior Walk. More than 230 graduates to be thanked past elementary teachers for influencing their academic careers.

BPUSD_SENIORWALK_3: Tracy Elementary fourth-grade teacher Francisco Montes greets Sierra Vista senior Maneli Mendoza during the Senior Walk celebration. Nine Baldwin Park Unified elementary schools participated in the event, in which more than 230 seniors presented teachers with invitations to attend their graduation ceremony.

BPUSD_SENIORWALK_4: Sierra Vista seniors returned to Kenmore Elementary on May 26, when they were recognized in an assembly for their accomplishments. Kenmore is part of the No Excuses University network, which promotes academic success and the pursuit of higher education.