Graduating seniors took a walk through their old elementary school hallways to say goodbye and serve as role models for the younger students.
WOODBURY HEIGHTS -- Seniors from Gateway High School donned their caps and gowns a little bit early this year to take a walk down memory lane and through their elementary school hallways.
The Gateway students stopped by Woodbury Heights Elementary School to say hi, goodbye and thank you to the teachers that were with them for the start of their educations and to serve as an inspiration for the younger students sitting in the chairs they once filled.
As they made their way through the hallways, some high-fived younger students, others hugged teary eyed teachers and faculty, and the rest walked proud, smiling from ear-to-ear.
"This was a very happy thing for all of us here to see," said Janice Gansert, principal of the elementary school. "We got to see some of our old students, the little kids got to see the big kids, and the graduates got chance to walk these halls again."
Though the walk didn't last long, a quick four minutes through the halls, Gateway students still had a long morning ahead of them as they traded their caps and gowns for gloves and shovels to complete maintenance and service work on the school grounds.
However, the best aspect of the walk was that a Gateway senior sparked the idea.
Ryan Smith, senior class president at Gateway, got the idea after hearing about Washington Township doing a similar event. Smith took the idea to administrators and the school board, proposing a graduating seniors walk followed by a senior service day at the school.
"Doing this shows humility, it shows gratitude and thanks for the teachers and schools that shaped us into who we are, it gives thanks to the community who got us here," said Smith.
The students worked to plant flowers and mulch and landscape the front walkways and lawn area of the school.
"I was pretty nervous when I first brought up the idea to the senior class," said Smith. "I thought no one was going to want to do yard work, get all gross and sweaty, and hang out at our old schools, but the turnout was really good."
According to Gateway's principal, Jeff Pierro, more than half of the senior class signed up to participate.
"Once one students signed up another did, then another and another, and it was a snowball of signups," he said.
"Having the high school students do this is a great thing," Pierro added. "They're going to be heading to the real world, and this is them doing real work and giving back, and this shows the impact of their efforts. I hope this becomes a tradition for our schools."
Gansert shares in Pierro's hopes for the program, agreeing that it should be a tradition within the district.
"It's good for the younger students to see these high school students being role models," said Gansert. "I would love to see it kept up over the years so that one day these kids can have the chance to do it."
Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.