On June 3, this tradition took on even deeper significance for retiring Centennial Elementary School Prinicpal Kathy Kaiser. She joined faculty and district leaders–including Superintendent Jeff Holmberg–as 55 soon-to-be-grads filed through the school’s hallways and slapped high-fives with grade-schoolers and teachers.
“These children, elementary-aged children, look up, regardless if they know the seniors or not,” said Kaiser, who is finishing her 16th year as principal. “They are just awe-struck and it’s achievable, they see. They’re superstars and they know they can do that, too, some day.”
Kaiser said former superintendent Brian Dietz started the tradition, and it was cancelled the past two years because of COVID-19.
“There’s no way to describe it,” she said. “I think it’s so special for us, as staff members, but when we heard that the seniors loved it so much, that’s why we continued doing it. It’s heart-warming.”
As for her swan song, Kaiser said traditions like this are just part of what makes Centennial so special.
“I’m going to miss a lot of every part of the day,” she said with a bittersweet smile. “My years here have been amazing, through COVID and the more difficult times, but for the majority, it’s just been a dream to work this staff and this community and these children. I don’t know how I got so lucky.”
Centennial High School’s graduation is Saturday, June 11. The Class of 2022 is 480 strong.
