Ahhhh . . . nostalgia.
To say the unique afternoon events of Newark High School Class of 2025’s last day of school June 16th evoked lots of wonderful memories of their school years in Newark, that seemingly flew by, would be an enormous understatement.
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By the end of the three hours the 133 seniors, attired in the caps and gowns they will wear at the 7 p.m. Commencement June 20th, the Class of 2025 enjoyed memorable activities.
1. They picnicked on pizza, frolicked on the playground with their classmates and posed for lots of photos in Perkins Park.
2. They jubilantly strolled through school buildings they previously attended as students and staff there welcomed them with cheers, signs, high-fives and hugs.
3. They were given a rousing, hero-like welcome as they walked by Newark Middle Schoolers who lined and cheered on both sides of Red Fox Lane in front of the school as upbeat music played by NMS musicians filled the air
4. Seniors were greeted by equally enthusiastic underclassmen and staff who lined the hallways of the high school after they returned to NHS. And the long-awaited moment that capped off the day’s events for seniors, was at the ice cream social in the cafeteria when they got to open their “time-capsules,” manila envelopes comprised of some of their work samples and other personal artifacts from their 6th grade year at NMS.
“This is a wonderful event for our seniors,” said NHS Principal Kelly A. Zielke. “It is great to see them together, playing on the playgrounds that they grew up on and walking the halls that they ran down as children. The elementary schools do such a wonderful job of welcoming the Seniors in and the children lined the halls to celebrate and cheer them on. As they passed by the middle school and march the high school halls for the last time as a class, it is always a little bittersweet. I wish them all the very best!
“We look forward to welcoming our seniors back to Lincoln School every year, “said Kari Hamelinck. “Hearing them make connections and share memories as they walk the halls brings joy to all of us. Each year the seniors pause at the photos hanging in the hallway downstairs and reminisce about their younger years.”
“Each year the Senior Walk through the building is exciting for both our students and staff, “said Perkins Principal Pete Czerkas. “The students have something to strive for, and the staff have a chance to look back, reminisce, and connect with previous students! Congratulations to the Class of 2025 and best wishes on your future endeavors.”
Perkins Pre-K teacher Cory Schalberg enjoyed posing for a photo with some of the members of her Pre-Kindergarten class from 2011-12 school year when she was Mrs. Robinson. Also in the photo is her former teacher assistant was Julie Blodgett. “It brought us so much joy to see our former students all grown up and ready to take on the world,” Schalberg said.
“Kelley School celebrated our graduating seniors with pride and excitement,” Kelley Principal Nate Goodness said. “Seniors paraded through the building in their caps and gowns, greeted by congratulatory decorations, student-made signs, upbeat music, and a hallway full of cheering students and staff. The energy was joyful and heartwarming as our younger students looked up to the seniors with admiration and excitement. It was a special
moment that brought our school community together, and we wish the Class of 2025 the very best as they step into their next chapter.”
“Rebekah Valerio, our instrumental music teacher, did an outstanding job of getting band musicians together to play songs as the seniors walked up Red Fox Lane,” Newark Middle School Principal John Ginter said. “Some families joined us as the watched their graduating seniors with their current Middle School students. This event is always a special for our staff to see the kids that have grown up and be able to celebrate with them.”
NHS Special Education teacher Jennifer Cruz, co-adviser of the Class of 2025 with NHS Math 9 teacher Michelle Malchoff noted that all the senior events June16th were emotion-packed and meaningful.
“The smiles on their faces said it all,’’ said Cruz, whose son, Carter, is a member of the Class of 2025.
Without a doubt though, she said the absolute high point of the day was when students received their “time capsules” that contained things like their class work papers, things they had written about themselves, or a friend had written to describe what they most liked about them. The capsules also contained letters written about the students from their parents, grandparents, siblings or others.
“They’d never seen these letters before and it was very touching for many of them,” Cruz said.