Homecoming in April? GPS Elementary Schools Celebrate Graduating Class of 2025 Where it All Began

From the simple joys of recess and the excitement of field trips to the anticipation of a book fair and the collaborative spirit of concerts, elementary school provides students with a wealth of fond memories that extend beyond the classroom. This year, many GPS elementary schools are giving the graduating class of 2025 a chance to relive those memories by inviting them back to the campuses where their learning journeys began. While giving graduating seniors a chance to reconnect and reminisce, these events, happening in April and May, also help inspire current elementary students as they look ahead to their own academic futures.

These senior celebrations provide an opportunity to highlight the graduates’ achievements and emphasize the lasting impact of their early education. By inviting alumni to return to their former campuses, these events reinforce the ongoing journey of learning and the strong connections within the GPS community, Kindergarten through 12th Grade. Many GPS elementary schools celebrate their former students in their own unique ways. Here are just a few examples:

Ashland Ranch Elementary is welcoming back seniors, most of whom are graduating from Campo Verde High, by hosting a parade. As the former Roadrunners revisit the campus, they’ll walk the halls of the entire school while current students cheer them on from just outside their classrooms. The elementary students will hold up signs as they congratulate the seniors for their 13 years of hard work. Seniors will also visit classrooms and answer questions from current elementary students. Next, the seniors and their families will be invited to gather in the school’s library for a chance to reconnect with their old classmates and former teachers while they take photos, watch a slideshow with yearbook photos, and enjoy refreshments.

Boulder Creek Elementary is also welcoming back its graduating seniors, many from Desert Ridge High, with a special reception held in the school library. Featured in Boulder Creek’s celebration will be a video presentation with side-by-side photos of each returning student from their kindergarten and senior year. Each senior who attends the reception also receives a copy of this video. The event offers a relaxed setting for the alumni and their families to reconnect with their former teachers and staff, catch up with their old classmates, and enjoy some cake and punch.

“It’s always a special night to welcome back our graduating seniors,” said Dr. Karen Coleman, K-12 Special Area Coordinator, District AVID Director and former Principal at Boulder Creek Elementary. “This is our 13th year doing this event, and the students love to see their teachers and reconnect with old friends. This event means a lot to staff, students, and their families.”

Mesquite Elementary is introducing a new tradition to their senior celebrations with their first annual "Senior Clap In." Graduating seniors, from Gilbert High and Mesquite High, wearing their caps and gowns, will be invited to walk through the school's hallways. As they make their way throughout the campus, current Mesquite Elementary students will stand outside their classrooms and cheer for the former Mountain Lions, similar to the school's established tradition for their graduating sixth graders. This walk will also be followed by a reception in the library, similar to other events.

Harris Elementary is continuing its tradition of connecting past and future Hawks through their annual Senior Walk. In this event, graduating high school seniors, mostly from Gilbert High and Mesquite High, who attended Harris return to campus in their caps and gowns. What makes this event unique is that alumni walk the hallways alongside the school's current sixth-grade students, who will soon move on to junior high school. This shared walk serves as a symbol within the Harris Elementary community, reinforcing the enduring "Hawk" spirit and providing a tangible and inspiring connection for younger students as they look toward their future successes.

“This event serves as a powerful reminder that once you are a Hawk, you are always a Hawk. It also gives our sixth-grade students a glimpse into their future and the success that lies ahead when they stay focused and continue to grow,” added Shelley Stroud, an Administrative Assistant at Harris Elementary.

The senior celebrations at Ashland Ranch, Boulder Creek, Mesquite, and Harris Elementary offer just a glimpse into the many ways GPS elementary schools are honoring their graduating seniors. Many elementary schools across the district celebrate their seniors in unique ways. Any graduating seniors interested in learning more about potential events at their former elementary school are encouraged to contact the school directly for further information. For more details regarding graduation ceremonies and other Class of 2025 celebrations, visit GilbertSchools.net/Classof2025.