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The Helena High School senior class of 2025 walked the halls of Helena Elementary School on Wednesday, April 30, going back in time to the place where they began their educational journey. (Reporter photos/Tyler Raley)

By TYLER RALEY | Staff Writer

HELENA – Just a few short weeks away from crossing the stage and earning their diplomas, Helena’s senior class took a victory lap down memory lane and looked back on what got them started.

The 333 seniors graduating from Helena High School loaded up on the busses and made the short trip over to Helena Elementary School to take part in one of the school’s most valued tradition—Grad Walk.

Getting off the bus on Wednesday, April 30, the seniors walked through the doors to see the HES students lining the hallways with smiles on their faces, staring in awe at what will be them in years down the road.

“What a truly meaningful moment for the seniors to walk the halls where their educational journey began,” said Holly Laney, principal of Helena Elementary School. “It’s incredible to hear them reflect on how much has changed, with some commenting that the building once felt so big, or noticing how much smaller the younger students seem now. It’s a feeling that mixes nostalgia with growth—what feels like a lifetime ago, yet also as if it all happened just yesterday. It’s a special reminder of how far they’ve come.”

While walking the halls and giving high-fives to the students, many of the seniors passed by their former teachers, who showered them with hugs, cheers and tears in seeing the young adults they have become throughout their time at HHS.

“This moment was incredibly special for our teachers,” Laney said. “Many were overwhelmed with emotions as they saw some of their former students walk through the halls. For some, it was especially poignant, as they are also parents celebrating their own children’s graduations. Others had the unique experience of recognizing seniors who started in their classrooms as kindergartners. It’s a powerful life milestone, and our teachers are incredibly grateful to have been part of these students’ journeys, watching them grow and achieve so much along the way.”

Many of the students spent their time walking the halls reflecting on the memories they had at the school, commenting on how the building felt now that they had at the school and taking pictures with siblings or former teachers.

For Laney, this was her first year experiencing the Grad Walk at Helena, and even not knowing the seniors who were visiting, still felt the emotions of what the kids had accomplished knowing that the elementary students now will be the ones making the walk one day.

“Seeing the seniors walk through the halls in their caps and gowns for the first time at HES was such an emotional experience,” Laney said. “One can’t help but feel a mix of pride, nostalgia and excitement, especially knowing that the kids currently at HES will one day be doing the same thing. It was wonderful to watch all of the teachers find joy in seeing the fruits of their labor and hard work pay off. There was a strong sense of pride and celebration as everyone reflected on the incredible journey these students have had and the lasting impact our educators have made along the way.”

As the senior class of 2025 enters the final month of their time in grade school, the walk was a perfect way to start the celebration of the completion of a big step in their educational careers.

The Helena High School graduation is set to take place Monday, May 19 at Samford University’s Pete Hanna Center at 2 p.m.

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