LITTLE FALLS, NY – During a brief moment when the sun peaked out at Benton Hall Academy, the Little Falls High School Class of 2025 participated in the annual senior graduation walk, a tradition that began in 2017.
Organized by Tracy Young, an EBD teacher at the school, the event saw seniors parading through the halls, greeted by enthusiastic younger students waving signs and pompoms, with music, sirens, and bullhorns amplifying the festive atmosphere.
The walk holds special significance for many seniors who started their educational journey at Benton Hall years ago. Kindergartners from the Class of 2037 kicked off the event in the auditorium, welcoming the seniors with balloons inscribed with their names.
The procession passed through every grade level, allowing teachers and staff to see how their former students have grown. “It’s absolutely one of my favorite days of the school year,” Young said. “It’s energetic, emotional, and gets us through the last few weeks of school.”
This year’s walk was bittersweet, marking the final one for retiring Principal Joe Long. Reflecting on the event, Long shared mixed emotions. “It’s great to see the kids embarking upon adulthood, but it’s hard the last one,” he said. “I’m proud of them and our staff.”
Long was recently honored with a surprise morning program where students presented a book and sang a song in his tribute, leaving him deeply moved. “I was on cloud nine,” he admitted, noting the challenge of holding back tears during the heartfelt gestures.
Young highlighted the collaborative effort behind the event, with support from staff like Mrs. Trout, Dr. Levatino, and Mr. Warner, who captured the day in photographs.
The school also experimented with a pre-event TikTok video this year, adding a modern twist to the tradition. “It’s a great thing we do,” Young said, emphasizing the community spirit and the joy of celebrating both familiar faces and newcomers to the district.
The senior walk remains a cherished tradition at Benton Hall Academy, bridging generations of students and leaving lasting memories for all involved.
View the photos and video by Dave Warner below or on YouTube.
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