School District No. 35

June is a busy time on the schedule for most people in the Langley School District – students and staff alike – and that’s especially true for the District’s many graduates, who are busy preparing to take the next steps in their learning journeys.

And those steps include the District’s popular grad walks, which have become a unique tradition in the Langley School District. Each year, Grade 12 students don their caps and gowns and return to their old elementary and middle schools, where they are met with smiles and cheers, as well as homemade signs and sometimes even flowers from the younger students.

Secondary schools have been holding their Grad Walks this week and last, often on the morning of their graduation ceremonies. The walks give graduates the opportunity to walk their old hallways, as well as visit with and thank teachers, staff and administrators who helped them during their younger years.

“It is amazing. It’s honestly my favourite day, seeing them come back all grown up,” said Kiera Wass, a teacher at Noel Booth Elementary. “It’s so magical. Some of them come back and visit, and we’ve seen them at events and stuff like that, but for others, we haven’t seen them since Grade 7.”

In addition to being a fun sendoff for the older students, the grad walks are also meaningful for parents – many of whom have formed tight-knit bonds with other families, and who are as excited as their Grade 12 students to see them return to their old schools.

For younger students in the elementary and middle schools, it’s also an opportunity to be inspired by their older schoolmates by offering a glimpse at what is possible if they work hard.

“Each one of our grads has their own story and it makes me proud to see them reach their goals and be successful,” said Mal Gill, superintendent of schools. “These milestone ceremonies are real-life examples of the positive trend we are seeing in transition rates (grad rates). We will continue to work collaboratively to help more students cross the stage.”

This year, nearly 2,000 students will graduate from across the District.

To see what the grad walks are like, check out our videos below: