Gallery • 9 Photos

Xander Cifelli '27

Graduates donned their graduation gowns after the final graduation rehearsal on June 4 to proceed across the bridge to the middle school. After they walked through the halls of the middle school, buses transported them to their respective elementary schools.

Ducking their heads through entrances and exits while wiping tears off of their faces, the class of 2026 paraded through the halls of the middle school and their elementary schools to say one final goodbye before heading off for good.

Students of Strath Haven Middle School, Nether Providence Elementary, Swarthmore-Rutledge School, and Wallingford Elementary School made signs and lined the hallways to cheer for the seniors on Thursday, June 4. This WSSD tradition brought tears and smiles to students and teachers, and stirred up many emotions in the seniors.

“I was feeling a bunch of different emotions. It was a lot of nostalgia, and I was also reminiscing on my time back in middle school as well,” senior Eliza Jauregui said. “I’m super happy to be graduating, but at the same time I’m also really sad to be growing up and moving on.” 

The seniors walked through the middle school before boarding buses and traveling to their respective elementary schools.

“It’s really nice to see my old teachers, because I haven’t been able to see them for years, and they’re all still so nice,” senior Faye Barnes said. 

Nether Providence Elementary principal Mr. Al Heinle calls the grad walks one of his favorite events of the year. He enjoys seeing students grow from kindergarteners to seniors and celebrating their accomplishments. 

This class stood out to Heinle due to their exceptional talent in the arts. According to Heinle, he remembered the class’s musical talent from spring and winter concerts.

“This particular class, I remember they were one of the most resilient groups of students,” Heinle said. “They had so many contributions in the arts in the music and art, and I’ve just experienced so many successes with them.”

Many seniors recall feeling a sense of community amongst the elementary and middle schoolers. Senior Jamal Huff appreciated the energy and smiles that the kids had in the elementary school.

“All the kids just had a really positive energy. I thought it was pure,” Huff said. “And then when I said six seven, everyone just kind of joined in unison, so there was a sense of community within NPE.” 

As the seniors returned back to Haven for the last time, many reflected on their journey from kindergarten all the way to senior year.

“If I could do it all again, I’d really sit and take in more moments, because school goes fast,” Huff said.

“You really have to take advantage of all the opportunities you’re given, and you just have to involve yourself,” senior Janet Huang said. 

“Live in the moment, it goes by so fast,” Jauregui said. “Just enjoy it.”