Grad Walks Highlight End of School Year

June 21, 2024

The last few weeks have been busy ones for the District’s many secondary school graduates, as they balance final exams and grad ceremonies, as well as preparing to move into new, exciting phases of their lives.

The District’s 2024 graduates have also had plenty of time to reflect on their education journeys, too – especially during their school’s Grad Walks, which have become a unique tradition in the Langley School District. Each year, soon-to-be graduates don their caps and gowns, and return via bus to their old elementary and middle schools, where they are met with cheers, flowers and homemade signs from young students. Each walk also gives graduates the chance to walk their old hallways as well as visit with teachers, staff and administrators who helped them along the way.

Over the course of the last week, students have used words like “nostalgic”, “emotional” and “exciting” to describe the trips down memory lane. It’s been rewarding for teachers, too, with more than a few tearing up at the opportunity to reconnect with former students.

“I’m just so proud of him,” said Cindy Rogers, a Kindergarten teacher at Langley Fundamental Elementary, after hugging a former student who attended both the elementary school and LFMSS. He called Rogers “one of my favourite teachers I ever had.”

Not only are the Grad Walks an important part of Grade 12 students’ journeys, they also have positive effects on the younger students and the school communities in general.

“It also gives younger students a glimpse at what is possible if they continue to work hard and grow, and gives them something to look forward to in the future,” said Mal Gill, Superintendent of Schools.

“These activities help foster a positive culture of learning, excitement and hope, and gives all of us, as educators, the energy to continue our mission to inspire all learners to reach their full potential and create positive legacies for the future.”

Check out our Grad Walk videos and photo gallery below: