ORR graduates take nostalgic walk, reconnect with teachers

May 31, 2019

ROCHESTER — Old Rochester Regional seniors, returning to their elementary school for the morning on May 31, might have expected graduation pomp, circumstance and old memories. But they probably weren’t expecting the wax figures. 

Students of Nikita Higgins’ third grade class greeted graduating seniors dressed in costumes of historical figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Seuss as part of a “wax museum” themed end-of-year assignment. The assignment coincidentally took place at the same time as the senior visit.

Seniors arrived at Rochester Memorial School dressed in their caps and gowns.They took a walk down memory lane through the halls of their former school to the tune of “Pomp and Circumstance.” Many were met with high fives from elementary students, and hugs from former teachers.

Former sixth grade teacher Danni Kleiman, who taught until 2017, visited the school to show her support for seniors. “Each class is special, so you like to wish them well as they go onto the next phase of their life,” she said.

Lisa Mazzuca was a fourth grade teacher for the class of 2019, and is now a paraprofessional in the reading department. She said it is important for younger students to see the success of “really big kids.” For her, the event provided closure. She said she often builds strong connections with her students, only to go long periods of time without seeing them again.

Senior Tyler Kulak stopped to reconnect with Mazzuca as he walked through the school’s hallway. He said he struggled with social issues as a child. He was able to persevere through his challenges with the help of his former teacher.

He now plans to study environmental science at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Kulak’s advice for elementary students is to take advantage of all the opportunities ahead of them.

Senior Madeleine Root said it was really cool to see how teachers and the school have evolved since she was a student there. She listed recent renovations, and new hallway decorations as examples.

Teacher Stephanie Cyr reunited with seniors Chelsea Peterson, and Elsie Buckley outside on the school’s playground.

“It feels like just yesterday they were in the fourth grade with me,” said Cyr.