Hempfield grads-to-be to participate in senior walk

With about two months until seniors at Hempfield Area High School leave the district and move on to the next steps of their lives, they have one more chance to go back to where it all began.

The Senior Walk gives graduating seniors the opportunity to walk the halls of their elementary schools wearing their caps and gowns. Current students at the schools will line the hallways, sending the seniors off.

This year, the walk will take place May 30 at Stanwood Elementary and May 31 at Maxwell, West Point and Fort Allen Elementary schools. The last day of school will feature the Stanny Awards, a presentation that recognizes students for their work during the year, school secretary Amy Leonard said.

“When they come back and they’re like 6 feet tall, it’s like holy cow,” Leonard said, laughing. “It’s cool to see them all grown up.”

The tradition started at Maxwell in 2016 after Robin Auckerman, who runs Spartan Pictures, wanted to give her son the opportunity to visit his elementary school before graduation. After that, the idea spread across the district. Stanwood and Fort Allen are in their third year of hosting the event.

Seniors should arrive at Stanwood before 3 p.m. May 30. Students should register by calling Michelle Cairs at 724-244-2395 or Leonard at 724-838-4002. At Maxwell, West Point and Fort Allen, the walk will begin at 10 a.m. May 31 after graduation practice. Students can register by calling 724-850-3500 for Maxwell or 724-850-2501 for Fort Allen.

Parents are welcome to attend the events, but will need photo identification or a volunteer badge to enter the school.