WACO Grads walk down memory lane

WAYLAND — Graduation traditions continue to be honored by the WACO graduating class of 2022.

With graduation comes traditions.

From the caps and gowns right down to the crossing of the stage, these are just something seniors expect as they graduate high school.

WACO’s 2022 graduation ceremony is Saturday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium due to the threat of inclement weather.

Seniors and guests will watch a fireworks display, sponsored by senior parents, following the ceremony, weather permitting.

The tradition of going out with the big bang of fireworks began just three years ago and WACO High School Principal Tim Bartels anticipates the tradition will continue.

WACO seniors carried on another tradition Thursday, May 12 as they visited the WACO elementary schools for a final walk through.

According to Bartels, seniors began walking the elementary halls his first year as principal with the 2019 graduating class.

“It is a change for to get the student back to see their teachers,” Bartels said. “Some teachers take photos with their past students, some students stop and talk with their favorite teachers.”

Bartels recounted last year when a group of seniors dug out a time capsule from their elementary classroom.

“To [the seniors] everything is so small now,” Bartels said. “For the elementary students, though, they see them as rock stars.”

WACO is not the only Henry County school to participate in this particular tradition.

New London students walked through their elementary schools to say goodbye this past week, as well.

These full circle traditions give a sense of completion to the classes’ hard work of the last 13 years of school.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com