The following was written by Kat King, Managing Director of Admissions & Alumni Services.
Today will forever live in my heart as one of the most special moments I have had the privilege of experiencing at Meeting Street Schools.
Today was the Senior Walk for the founding class of Meeting Street Academy – Spartanburg, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. I believe nearly 100 percent of the graduating class attended alongside their families. Former teachers, principals, mentors and community members all came together to celebrate these students and the incredible journey they have taken.
Every detail of the morning was beautiful and intentional, the space was transformed into a living walk down memory lane. The seniors watched a video montage, shared breakfast together, offered words of wisdom to the 5th graders, took hundreds of photos and, of course, participated in a joy-filled walk through hallways lined with cheering students.
What struck me most was seeing the joy reflected on every face, both the younger students who looked at the seniors with admiration and possibility, and the seniors themselves as they realized just how much they meant to this community.
I had goosebumps the entire time.
There were a few moments that especially stayed with me. Watching Miss Susu Johnson place the Meeting Street alumni cords around each senior’s neck was incredibly moving. The students brought her along their route as though she were family, because she is. Another unforgettable moment was watching the seniors stop to shake hands, high-five, hug and laugh with every preschool student in the front loop. It was pure joy.
Today felt like the truest culmination of why we do this work. To witness the full journey of a child from preschool to graduation, and to physically see the community of people who loved, guided and supported them along the way was deeply powerful.
I truly cannot express what it meant to me to be part of it.
