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Westlake High School class of 2025 graduates pose for a photo before a celebratory walk through of Saratoga Shores Elementary school Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Courtesy Kelcie Babcock

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Westlake High School class of 2025 graduates participate in a grad walk at their former elementary school, Saratoga Shores, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

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Sixth grade students participate in a grad walk at Saratoga Shores Elementary School on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

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Siblings Brinlee Odekirk, left, and younger sister Clara pose for a photo outside of Saratoga Shores Elementary School on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Curtis Booker, Daily Herald

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Westlake High School class of 2025 graduates pose for a photo before a celebratory walk through of Saratoga Shores Elementary School on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

Courtesy Kristin Gubler

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A day before seniors at Westlake High School stroll across the stage with their classmates at graduation, they took a literal walk down memory lane Wednesday by returning to the schools that helped shape their education.

Students in Westlake’s class of 2025 paid a visit to their former elementary schools for a walkthrough while donning their graduation regalia.

The sentiment aligns with the senior grad walk, as well as a celebration of sixth graders who are also gearing up for their next chapter as they prepare to enter junior high school in the fall.

Inside Saratoga Shores Elementary School, parents and families of sixth graders, as well as Westlake graduates, lined the hallways in preparation for the celebratory stroll. As Westlake students walked the somewhat familiar hallways, they were greeted with cheers, banners, high-fives and applause for their accomplishments. Saratoga Shores sixth graders also joined in on the clap through to share the memorable moment with students who came before them.

And in the case of siblings Brinlee Odekirk and her younger sister Clara, they shared the moment together with their parents in attendance.

“I think it’s special that we both get to like, graduate at the same time — technically because she’s in sixth grade and I’m a senior,” Brinlee, a Westlake graduate, said.

She reflected on her high school days, saying it was much different than what she initially thought the experience would be.

“I feel like I had this idea of high school because of all the movies you watch and stuff, but it’s not really that way. But it’s still super fun, and I’m excited to see (Clara) go through high school,” Brinlee said.

Clara Odekirk was also excited to “graduate” alongside her big sister.

But she’ll miss her friends, teachers and the ease of elementary school.

“You get to just be with all your friends and you don’t really have to worry so much (about) everything you have to do. You just kind of do what your teacher says and then sit in class,” she explained.

Westlake graduate Adalynn Snyder said she has mixed feelings about her school years coming to an end.

“I’m excited and ready for it to be done, but also not (ready) at the same time,” she said.

Snyder described returning back to her old stomping grounds at Saratoga Shores as sort of surreal.

“Everything is so much different now from when I was little,” she commented.

Rae Sanders, another graduate, said she’s “in denial” about closing this chapter of her life.

“I’m not ready. … I feel unfulfilled, and I feel like this chapter is not over yet,” she explained. “But at the same time, I have a whole career ahead of me.”

Sanders said revisiting her old elementary school felt like a familiar space, even though many of her former classmates and teachers weren’t there.

“It was weird not seeing familiar faces, but it felt like a place that I should have been,” she said.

As both Snyder and Sanders prepare for their next journey in their educations and lives after high school, they shared a message of motivation for future students.

Each one noted the importance of living in the moment and appreciating the experiences each stage of K-12 education provides.

“Don’t take the time for granted,” Snyder said. “I wish I could go back and actually enjoy it.”

Sanders encouraged future students to take each step one day at a time.

“Remember to breathe, Don’t try to rush through it,” she added. “Go out to the experiences and listen to your parents.”

Westlake seniors also visited Thunder Ridge and Harvest Hills elementary schools on Wednesday.

Marlayne Nye, assistant principal at Westlake, commended the graduating class for their efforts in invoking positivity in the community.

“They tutor students, help with camps, put on assemblies, and even play with younger kids at recess,” Nye said in a statement. “When we see them setting an example for our future students, it truly lifts everyone! We couldn’t be more proud of our graduating class.”

Westlake High School’s 2025 graduation ceremony is slated for Thursday morning at the Marriott Center on the campus of Brigham Young University.