MLHS grads set an example at Peninsula Elem.

MOSES LAKE — Students at Peninsula Elementary School and Moses Lake High School seniors who once attended Peninsula had a message for each other. The Peninsula students wanted the seniors to know Peninsula was proud of the class of 2024; the seniors wanted Peninsula students to know they could be wearing that cap and gown someday.

It was the first time seniors came back to Peninsula to meet the current students, and the younger learners excitedly lined the breezeway with signs to support the Class of 2024. The MLHS seniors walked through the lines, giving high-fives and occasionally a hug to younger children. The seniors recognized some of the staff and gave them smiles and hugs as well.

Many of the seniors hadn’t been back to Peninsula since they were in fifth grade - one observed that the cafeteria looked a lot smaller now than it did then. They didn’t give any speeches, but they had a message nevertheless.

“You can do this,” said Addy Carlile. “You should have a goal.”

Jason Tran said they were showing the children they too can graduate, and Blazer Luiten said it was a demonstration that other young people just like them have done it.

“We’re showing all the kids that we’re graduating,” Luiten said. “So that they know they can do it if they put their minds to it.”

It was the first time at Peninsula, but the graduation walk is a tradition at other districts in the area. Othello is one of them, where Peninsula principal Amy Wright was a teacher and administrator. Wright’s experiences prompted some Peninsula staff to set up a similar event. 

Carlile said she wanted the elementary students to know their work will pay off, even if it sometimes doesn’t seem like it.

“Education is worth it,” she said.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.

    Moses Lake High School graduating seniors were congratulated by Peninsula Elementary students and wanted to send a message to their younger peers that they could do it too.
  

    Peninsula Elementary students did some math to show how much work the class of 2024 put in to get to graduation.
  

    Moses Lake High School seniors high-fived nearly every student at Peninsula Elementary, showing children at their old high school that they too can achieve and succeed.
  

    A Moses Lake High School graduate walks through a forest of outstretched hands at Peninsula Elementary.