Elementary students cheer on Collier teens at annual Graduation Walk
Annika HammerschlagTears streamed down Laurel Oak Elementary teacher Dawn DiMarzio’s face Thursday as she watched dozens of her former fifth-grade students march down the halls as high school seniors in their caps and gowns.
The procession was part of Collier County Public Schools' annual Graduation Walk, when soon-to-be high school graduates visit their elementary schools to inspire the next generation of students to work hard and stay in school.
Elementary students line the halls to congratulate the seniors with high-fives, cheers and handmade posters.
More than 3,000 seniors are expected to graduate Friday from Collier County Public Schools.
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About 450 Gulf Coast High School graduates visited Laurel Oak’s campus in North Naples on Thursday; many of them attended both schools.
DiMarzio’s former student Liyah Courageux, 17, said it felt like she was coming full circle.
“It brings back a lot of good memories,” she said. “It reminds me how much work I’ve put in.”
Liyah said DiMarzio was one of her favorite teachers; she taught her how to write. Soon, Liyah will attend the University of Florida, where she plans to study biology.
“To see how far she’s come, it’s beautiful to watch,” said DiMarzio, who has taught at Laurel Oak for 10 years. “To know you were just a small step on the path to their future, it makes you beam with pride.”
DiMarzio said this year’s visit was especially meaningful, considering her son was in Gulf Coast’s graduating class. Her fifth-grade class drew a sign to congratulate him and his friends.
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“For them to know what the future has in store for them and how bright it is, it’s just wonderful,” she said.
Laurel Oak second-grader Clara Isenberg, 8, was particularly excited because her brother was among the visiting graduates.
He stopped to give her a hug and kiss on the cheek.
“I felt a lot of love,” Clara said. “It’s fun to see him here, but it’s also sad that he’s going to college because I really like him.”
Laurel Oak third-grader Alexandra Mattio, 8, held a sign she made with her classmates that read “Class of 2027” and watched wide-eyed as the graduates strolled past.
“It’s awesome because I’ve never seen anybody graduate before,” she said.
Laurel Oak Principal Marilou Andrews said it was heartwarming to see how much the tradition meant to the students.
“They look forward to it,” she said. “It gets them so excited to know that it’s going to be them one day.”
