As “Pomp and Circumstance” played over the loudspeaker at Sandy Hook Elementary School on June 12, Newtown High School 2019 graduates walked the main hallway at Sandy Hook Elementary School, their former alma mater.

Elementary students stretched their smaller hands up to high-five the NHS graduates as they walked by. The kindergarten to fourth grade SHS students cheered on the graduates.

The NHS Class of 2019 graduated during commencement ceremonies the day before, June 11, at Western Connecticut State University’s O’Neill Center.

NHS’s Student Government organized the return of the Class of 2019 graduates to their former elementary schools. Across the district on June 12, the graduates donned their caps and gowns and breezed through the elementary schools, all at the same time.

At SHS, smiling former teachers greeted them. Hugs were plentiful, and the younger students were thrilled at the sight of the graduates.

Music teacher Maryrose Kristopik handed out copies of the student’s fourth grade concert programs from when they attended SHS. After walking the main hallway, Ms Kristopik led the graduates in singing SHS’s song.

“And Sandy Hook School forever,” they sang, voices echoing through the main lobby as the younger students returned to their classrooms.

This was the second year that NHS graduates returned to their elementary schools following graduation. Last school year, Class of 2018 graduate Hana Rosenthal organized the event for the first time.