East grads return to elementary school

By JEN COWART

Posted 6/5/19

By JEN COWART Members of Cranston High School East's class of 2019 began the first of several cap-and-gown activities recently as they participated in one of the city's newest graduation traditions. Graduation walks, which were started by Cranston East

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.

East grads return to elementary school

A SPECIAL MOMENTO: Kianna King was diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and missed a year of school, causing her to graduate a year later than most of her peers. During the graduation walk at Edgewood Highland Elementary School, she was greeted with a special poster that was originally made to wish her well during her illness. Her teacher at the time, Marguerite Muldoon, had saved it until she was able to see her again.

(Herald photo by Jen Cowart)

STILL REMEMBERED THEM ALL: Rhodes teacher Jim Gemma had elementary school photos for each of the seniors that visited him on the morning of the graduation walk.

(Herald photo by Jen Cowart)

GIFTS FOR THE GRADS: The kindergarten students from Edgewood Highland Elementary School pose with the East graduates, with the kindergarteners wearing special T-shirts and the seniors holding special cards and posters.

(Herald photo by Jen Cowart)

RETURN TO RHODES: The seniors handed out their T-shirt gifts to the kindergarten students and posed for a group photo. The kindergarten students will graduate in 2031.

(Herald photo by Jen Cowart)

SEEING HIS SISTER: Senior Dylan Pacheco and his sister, Edgewood Highland kindergartener Hope Pacheco, pose together during his visit.

(Herald photo by Jen Cowart)

HIGH FIVE: Second-grader Tony Lundy and senior Eriq Isom exchange high fives during the graduation walk.

(Herald photo by Jen Cowart)

Posted Wednesday, June 5, 2019 12:47 pm

By JEN COWART

Members of Cranston High School East’s class of 2019 began the first of several cap-and-gown activities recently as they participated in one of the city’s newest graduation traditions.

Graduation walks, which were started by Cranston East just a few years ago, involve graduates traveling to several different schools, typically including their own elementary school.

The seniors connect with the youngest Cranston Public Schools students, including kindergarteners who receive a special T-shirt to commemorate the event. The graduates also often have the opportunity to reconnect with their former teachers or with younger siblings, family members and friends.

For many of the students, it is the first time returning to their elementary school hallways – and the occasion serves as a reminder of the journey they are ending, as well as the one they are about to begin.