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South Jordan Journal

Bingham seniors return to former schools to inspire younger students

Jun 27, 2024 11:00AM ● By Julie Slama

Welby students reach out to give high fives to Bingham High seniors, many of whom attended the elementary school years ago. (Aaron Ichimura/Welby Elementary)

About 150 Bingham High graduating seniors donned their caps and gowns ahead of commencement to take part in the first graduation walk in elementary and middle schools, where they were given high-5s by younger students who lined the hallways.

“We chose to bring the tradition to Bingham in an effort to unite, celebrate and inspire our current and future Bingham students,” Bingham High Assistant Principal Michelle Putnam said.

About 75 students went to Elk Ridge Middle School, Elk Meadows Elementary and Welby Elementary and 85 students went to South Jordan Middle, South Jordan Elementary, Monte Vista Elementary and Jordan Ridge Elementary. 

They were divided by which schools they previously attended, Putnam said.

Bingham High Assistant Principal Jacob Rollins accompanied the group who went to Elk Ridge Middle and the two elementary schools.

“We were thrilled with it!” he said. “There are really two reasons why we felt this is an important tradition that we wanted to establish. First, it gives our seniors a way to be recognized in the schools most of them grew up and went through in their educational journey. They also have an opportunity to reflect on how far they’ve come to achieve this milestone of graduating high school.”

Putnam added, this opportunity let them thank the teachers, administrators and staff who helped them as they overcame challenges, achieved accomplishments and made friendships through their school years.

Rollins continued, “Second, it is a way to get the next generation of students excited about what’s to come and to make a goal for themselves to graduate from high school. We wanted to stress that no matter who they are or what activities they will be a part of, Bingham High is a place where all students can succeed.”

Welby Elementary Principal Aaron Ichimura appreciated the message Rollins shared with his students to do their best every day so they, too, could return to walk the halls as graduating seniors.

“We always want students to have examples of what promise their future holds,” he said. “By working hard in school, they can be back at Welby one day to model for students what a high school graduate looks like. I hope that students who might be struggling with wanting to even be at school might be inspired by Bingham seniors to stick with challenges and prove that they can do hard things. I had chills seeing these seniors and it reminded me of how I felt when I graduated 30 years ago. I loved seeing that they appear ready to take on and own tomorrow.”

Of the Bingham High seniors at Welby, 24 had participated in the Spanish dual language immersion and are the first graduates of that program.

Also joining the Bingham High seniors was one senior from Paradigm High School, who had attended Welby and asked to be part of the graduation walk, Ichimura said.

Putnam said it was a good community-building event.

“This interaction creates a sense of community and tradition within the school, fostering a supportive and positive learning environment for everyone involved,” she said. “It was really fun to see the younger siblings, family members, neighbors and friends celebrate, high five, and hug the graduating seniors as they walked through. The energy and smiles are something none of us will forget.”