Third graders at Palm Beach Day Academy have made a giant step in their schooling, and they celebrated by taking part in a cherished school tradition.
On June 10, 60 students walked 1.3 miles across the middle bridge that links the town to West Palm Beach to celebrate their move from the school’s Lower School Flager Campus in West Palm to the Upper School Seaview campus on the island, where they will attend fourth grade.
Students have participated in the Third Grade Bridge Walk to mark that milestone and prepare for middle school since 2018.
Held each June, one day before the Third Grade Bridge Ceremony, the walk symbolizes both the end of the students’ Lower School experience and the beginning of their next chapter at PBDA’s Upper School.
Led by Head of School Fanning Hearon and accompanied by their third-grade teachers, the students walked along Flagler Drive, across the Royal Park Bridge, up Royal Palm Way, and finally onto Seaview Avenue. Along the route, families lined the streets with handmade signs with messages like “You Got This,” “Way To Go,” “We Love You” and “Fourth Grade Era.”
Some family members drove decorated golf carts and cars. Music, cheers and refreshments helped make the walk a community celebration.
The Palm Beach and West Palm Beach police departments and Palm Beach Day security provided support.
As the students arrived at the Seaview Campus, they were welcomed by students in the fourth through seventh grades, Upper School faculty, Head of Upper School Shana Dutkewych and members of the administration.
All helped make the walk an exciting event that honored new beginnings.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach Day Academy third graders cross the bridge to middle school
Reporting by Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Palm Beach Daily News | USA TODAY Network
