Signs of completion and success are all around as New York high school graduates participate in graduation celebrations. One that continues to grow in popularity allows 12th graders to don their caps and gowns and walk the halls of their former elementary schools.

There were cheers from proud parents with cameras ready as Cicero-North Syracuse high school seniors did their graduation walk-through of their elementary schools. Dave Capria said it was emotional and bittersweet to see his daughter, Lilly, visit her elementary hallways for the last time as a Northstar.

“It's sad, it really is. And she's an only child. So yeah, this is it for us. So it's happy but sad at the same time, and seeing the parents that we haven't seen since elementary school. It's great. It's like a little reunion," said Capria.

The North Syracuse Central School district says the event gives their graduates an opportunity to see how far they've come, and lets elementary students see the goal of what they're working toward.

"Was I that small? Going through every hallway they were just smaller and smaller and I was like, that was me once and then they're gonna have to do this,” said Lilly.

Lilly's reflection took her back to pandemic challenges.

"The two-year COVID gap was interesting, to say the least. I didn't have a track season and then got back into track and how to train harder. Coming back to school was difficult from being online, then transitioning back into high school. Just to show that everybody came from this one place and we're all going different directions and we are still connected," said Lilly.

Teachers, like second-grade teacher Sandy Schultz, enjoy the day and love sharing memories with the graduates. Even though she is now retired, she vows to come back every year on their senior walk until she doesn't have students walking back anymore.

"I always remember having fun in her class so, always a good thing," said Lilly.

North Syracuse Central School District says 629 seniors will receive their diplomas for the class of 2022. Their graduation is Friday, June  24.