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A group of more than 500 THS seniors had the opportunity to partake in one of the school system’s beloved traditions by visiting all of Alabaster City Schools during the Parade of Graduates on Friday, May 3. (Reporter photos/Noah Wortham)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Thompson High School seniors embraced their elementary school teachers after years apart during a touching reunion weeks before graduation at the annual Parade of Graduates.

A group of more than 500 THS seniors had the opportunity to partake in one of the school system’s beloved traditions by visiting all of Alabaster City Schools during the Parade of Graduates on Friday, May 3.

“For the past nine years, the Parade of Graduates has been one of the most treasured traditions in Alabaster City Schools, and I’m deeply grateful to our administrators and everyone who helps bring it to life each year,” ACS College Counselor Pam Vickers said. “Watching teachers, parents and grandparents cheer through tears, handmade signs and heartfelt banners, is a moving reminder of the pride and love that surrounds each graduate.”

Small, touching reunions took place throughout Alabaster City Schools during the parade as familiar staff members and teachers got to say goodbye to their old students that are now grown and ready to depart to the next stage in their careers.

“I absolutely love this tradition—it gets me every year,” CVES Principal Charissa Cole said. “We play ‘Pomp and Circumstance,’ and I always tear up. This year’s Parade of Graduates was truly special. It’s such a full-circle moment and a powerful reminder of the impact our school community has over time.”

Graduating kindergarteners at both Creek View Elementary School and Meadow View Elementary School had the opportunity to walk through the halls in celebration and to meet their high school counterparts.

“It’s such a unique and meaningful part of this event,” Cole said. “After their own parade, our kindergarteners sat on the benches out front and watched the high school seniors walk by. There were high fives, pictures and big smiles. It’s such a special moment—showing the journey from start to finish.”

Throughout the duration of the parade, parents lined the hallways of the schools ready to cheer on their children with handmade signs, posters and cutouts. Smiling elementary students also sat on the ground reaching out for high-fives and cheering for the seniors as they walked past.

“As principal, one of my favorite moments is watching the interactions between families and students during the parade,” Cole said. “There were definitely some tears—from kindergarten parents, THS senior parents, teachers and even some students. There were hugs, high fives and lots of words of encouragement.”

THS principal and assistant superintendent of ACS, Dr. Wesley Hester, said that this year’s Parade of Graduates was memorable and continues to be a strong tradition for the school system.

“I appreciate the principals, faculties and staffs at each ACS school for ‘rolling out the red carpet’ and making our seniors feel so special and accomplished,” Hester said. “It truly is a K-12 focus and effort across Alabaster City Schools, and the Parade of Graduates is indicative of that dynamic. May 2 was truly a memorable day for our seniors and their families because of this event.”

ACS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said that the Parade of Graduates is one of his favorite times of the year and serves as a celebration of the culmination of their academic career in Alabaster.

“It’s a special moment—reconnecting with former teachers and encouraging our younger students by showing them that this is the goal: to graduate and take the next step in life,” Wayne Vickers said. “This is truly an amazing season for our graduates and our entire school community. One of the most meaningful additions to the program is the kindergarten connection piece. Having our youngest students be part of this celebration has made the experience even more special.”

With the Parade of Graduates tradition complete, seniors only have a few days of class left before they walk across the stage at Bartow Arena to accept their diplomas during commencement on Tuesday, May 20 at 6 p.m.

“We want to express our appreciation to everyone who makes this time of the school year so special,” Wayne Vickers said.

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