With cheers, signs, and high-fives lining the hallways, members of the Longview High School Class of 2025 took a nostalgic and emotional journey as they visited the elementary campuses where many of their academic paths first began.
The district’s first-ever Senior Walk saw more than 200 seniors, dressed in caps and gowns, board buses together and tour all seven Longview ISD elementary schools: Johnston-McQueen, J.L. Everhart, Bramlette, Bailey, Hudson, Ware, and Ned. As the students stepped through the halls, they were met with applause, cheers, and excited elementary students waving handmade signs and looking up to their future selves.
For many seniors, the walk stirred powerful emotions. "It was amazing," said Addison Soape, a Longview High School senior after visiting her former campus at Hudson PEP Elementary. "It was heartwarming to see all the kids and to realize that's where we all started. It was really touching, and it just made me feel great."
The walk, filled with smiles and a few tears, served as a full-circle moment for many graduates who embraced former teachers and waved to familiar faces that helped shape their academic and personal journeys.
“This was more than just a walk — it was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and inspiration,” said Shameika Allen, principal of Longview High School. “To watch our seniors reconnect with the places and people that helped mold them, while encouraging younger students to dream big — it was truly powerful.”
Elementary students clapped and cheered from classrooms and hallways showing support for their high school heroes. Teachers and staff also participated, holding signs of encouragement and celebrating the achievements of students they taught years ago.
The event emphasized Longview ISD’s commitment to building a culture of success and continuity from early education to graduation. The impact of the event for the younger students was just as big as it was for the seniors.
“We hope this tradition sends a clear message to every student: your hard work matters, your journey is important, and we’ll be here to cheer you on every step of the way,” Allen said.
