MOSES LAKE — Some seniors getting ready to graduate from Moses Lake returned to their elementary school one last time before heading out into the world. 

“Graduation is so important,” said Principal Amy Wright at the Peninsula Elementary Graduation Parade Thursday. “It’s something to be proud of and excited for, and it’s awesome for our kids to see students who used to be here graduating and moving on to what’s next in their life, (thinking), ‘I could be them. I could come back and do this in a few years.’” 

Thirty-three capped-and-gowned Moses Lake High School and Vanguard Academy seniors walked through the breezeway at Peninsula, exchanging high fives with cheering Peninsula students. Some of the kids held posters with a senior’s photo, welcoming them back. 

“The little kids, they just love cheering (the seniors) on,” said Peninsula teacher Dolly Ruffin. “They wanted to know (the seniors’) names before they go to them so they could scream and high-five.” 

Ruffin, Heidi Ragan and Stephanie Martinez-Adame approached Wright with the idea three years ago, Ruffin said, and Wright gave the idea wholehearted support. 

“We had 20-some (seniors),” Ruffin said. “Last year we had a few more, and this is our largest group.” 

After the parade Thursday, the seniors and their families gathered on the lawn for burgers, grilled by Dolly Ruffin’s husband Dave Ruffin and Adolfo Romero, and cookies made by the CBTECH culinary students. There was also a slideshow in Ruffin’s classroom showing the seniors as they had been back in the day. 

Ruffin has taught at Peninsula for 17 years and watched them grow as students from when they were in elementary school to graduating seniors. 

“We never forget our kiddos; we carry them always in our hearts,” Ruffin said. “I tell my kids, ‘You are one of my students; you will always be one of mine.’ I know other teachers here say and feel the same way. So many happy tears today.” 

“My daughter went through all six grades here, and it was an experience,” said Arika Loeffler, whose daughter Brygette Loeffler was among the seniors honored. “I teach first grade (at North Elementary), and I never imagined my littles being up to graduation level.” 

The seniors were also moved, seeing places and people that had been so much a part of their childhood. 

“There was so much nostalgia when I walked back into the cafeteria,” said Dallie Cobb. “My little sister goes here, so I was really excited to come and do this walk.” 

“It was a time of a lot of memories with a lot of friends,” said Brian Sario. “The teachers are great. Mrs. Wilson, I will always remember her. I always say that she’s the reason why I want to be an elementary teacher.” 

The parade didn’t happen in a vacuum, Ruffin said. The Parent-Teacher Organization funded supplies for the posters, gift cards for the seniors and a balloon arch for them to parade under. Restore City Church and Crumbl Cookies also contributed gift cards. 

“If kids see (graduation) as something we celebrate and are excited for, even if their family or other people don’t talk to them about it, they still have kindergarten through sixth grade with us celebrating and (hearing), ‘We’re proud of you, and this is an accomplishment. Keep going,’” Wright said. 

    Peninsula Elementary students held posters honoring the returning seniors at the Graduation Parade Thursday. It’s important for the children to see graduation as a positive experience, said Principal Amy Wright.
  

    The 33 Moses Lake High School and Vanguard Academy students took a group photo on the grass at Peninsula Elementary after the Graduation Parade Thursday.
  

    Adolfo Romero grills burgers for the seniors and their families at the Peninsula Graduate Parade Thursday.
  

    A Vanguard Academy senior responds to cheers at the Graduate Parade at Peninsula Elementary School Thursday.