Graduating seniors visit elementary schools to inspire the next generation

Over 200 Van Horn High School seniors boarded buses in full cap and gown as they took the trip down memory lane.
Published: May 14, 2025 at 2:12 PM CDT
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INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - The Independence School District took graduating seniors out of class Wednesday to show off their accomplishments.

It’s called the Legacy Walk. Each year, the group of graduates parade the halls of ISD elementary schools to inspire the next generation of students.

Over 200 Van Horn High School seniors boarded buses in full cap and gown as they took the trip down memory lane.

Christian Neely is one of the graduating seniors who got to visit his old stomping grounds.

”I went to Sugar Creek, and I went to [Abraham] Mallinson, too," he said, just two of the seven schools they visited Wednesday morning.

The group was cheered on by the young students and their teachers. Neely says he was an elementary kid when he got to see his brother do the legacy walk.

“I being that little, excited kid,” he said. “It’s good to hopefully see some teachers and inspire little kids, too.”

Now the one in the lead and beginning his next journey to college, he says they want kids to know it’s possible, and cool to graduate.

“I’m going to Abeline University to play football, so I’ll be doing that,” he said. “Don’t let peer pressure pressure you into doing something you don’t wanna do or don’t need to do. And, just be you. Don’t let nobody tell you different.”