Michigan City High School students put a twist on the graduation grand march by walking it out in style and fanfare. The entire senior class, along with the MCHS Marching Band walked the halls of their high school giving waves, high fives, and the occasional hug to the teachers, students, and staff who were an integral part of their four-year student journey.
"Last year we came across a video in Houston, Texas that had students walking through the building of their high school, shaking hands with their students and shaking hands with teachers and administrators," said Michigan City High School Principal Wendel McCollum. "It gave a great example to the student body of what it means to be a graduate and while we didn't have enough time to plan it last year, we knew it would be an outstanding thing to do at Michigan City High School and we spent all year planning it."
The 2016 senior class started their march outside of the school, kicking off the celebration with a panoramic school photo with everyone dressed in caps and gowns. Soon afterward, the students met up with the marching band and the group began their march into the school.
"This is the first time we're doing something like this so the students are a bit nervous, but they're also excited to be a part of this hoopla and celebration of them graduating," said McCollum. "I'm excited too, I can't wait to see how this plays out."
Throughout the school students and teachers lined the halls, taking photos, giving cheers and cheering on their upperclassmen counterparts. For many it served as a preview of greater things to come, the glimpse of reaching that level of completion and closure that comes with hard work and sacrifice for so many high schoolers.
For these seniors, however, it stands as the victory lap through the school that molded them. The final walk through the place that taught them the skills necessary to move onto the next stage in life where the world is in front of them, waiting for them to grab it and make it their own.
This march marks the beginning of a tradition that will mark the transition from the days of youth into adulthood.
"As a person who walked out of this building nearly 20 years ago as a student, these memories are something last a lifetime," says McCollum. "I still remember the gym 25 years ago out into this parking lot. I still remember my family and friends celebrating that part of my life and I want these students to remember Michigan City High School as they move on to whatever they want to do in their next stage of life."