Jurupa Valley High School Senior Bryan Gomez was excited to walk the halls of Van Buren Elementary School earlier this month wearing his graduation regalia as a soon-to-be graduate. He was back on his elementary campus to be a real-life example of what a Jurupa Unified School District high school graduate looks like.
.jpg)
JUSD seniors across the district dressed in their graduation attire to visit their elementary and middle schools last week. Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Jurupa Valley High School students visited their 4 elementary feeder schools, Troth Street, Sky Country, Pedley, and Van Buren Elementary days before graduation to say goodbye to their former teachers and inspire the younger students to persevere and become high school graduates themselves.
As Bryan walked down the hallways of Van Buren Elementary full of elementary students cheering him and his classmates on, his proud younger sister, Andrea, pulled him out of the line to hug him. “It's important for the students to see me in my (graduation) gown with all my regalia and medals because it shows them what’s ahead of them, to prosper and pay attention to their (academics),” Bryan said.
Patriot High School also participated in the senior graduation walks by visiting Camino Real, Sunnyslope, and Stone Avenue Elementary schools. During his visit to Camino Real, Patriot senior Logan West, talked to students and answered their questions on how to succeed in high school. “There are students that see me as a role model,” Logan said. “The way they look at you… there’s nothing like it.”
Rubidoux High School graduates also visited their feeder middle school, Mission Middle School, and held their parade on the Rubidoux campus. “It made me feel really proud that our school has its own traditions,” said Rubidoux graduate and Freddy the Falcon mascot, Miguel Cruz. Rubidoux students and staff came out of their classrooms and offices to cheer on the graduates as they paraded around the campus led by the drumline.
.jpg)
“Our JUSD graduation walks are an excellent example of our Vision in Action,” said JUSD Superintendent Dr. Trenton Hansen. “When our graduating seniors don their caps and gowns and visit their younger peers, they show them what is possible with hard work and determination. I am so proud of the Class of 2024 and applaud their leadership, generosity, and kindness as well as their academic achievements. This is what the Jurupa Experience is all about.”
“Grad walks are a powerful way for our graduating seniors to spark inspiration for our elementary and middle school students,” said Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Daniel Brooks. “They also provide an opportunity for our graduates to celebrate their achievements with their former teachers and administrators, and serve as an inspiring reminder to school staff that education is a continuous journey—we’re all part of the same supportive network that empowers students to reach their full potential.”
