Last Tuesday, May 19, a large group of students from Mrs. Leblanc’s classes paid a heartwarming visit to kindergarteners at JWood Raw Elementary school. This is an annual tradition for seniors, with this year being the third year Manogue has dropped by.

Arriving around 8:30, miners began to set up stations in two different areas. One gathering space had friendship bracelets and children’s books being read. The other had coloring, paper grad-cap making, and a photo booth happening. Kindergarteners rolled in at 9:00. In their time, they bonded with the seniors by sharing ridiculous stories and jokes. After an hour or so, everybody went to recess. The kinders and seniors played tag, tetherball, and even raced tricycles. After wearing the seniors out, the kids swapped stations. Once all crafts and conversations were over, everybody got one big photo together. The moment was bittersweet, as many kids were very upset to see their new friends leave. That pain, however, is a testament to how great the seniors were with them.

Mrs. Leblanc shared what makes this trip so meaningful to her, expressing “What is so special about this field trip is that it offers an amazing opportunity for seniors to reflect on just how far they’ve come right before they graduate.” She explained that the visit creates positive relationships across generations while also giving students a fun, feel-good experience. She also said her favorite part is seeing how quickly both the seniors and kindergarteners “go all in,” noting that the enthusiasm and bonds formed in such a short amount of time are always special to witness.

As graduation approaches, experiences like the JWood Raw visit remind seniors that some of the most meaningful moments of high school are often found in the connections that are made with others instead of specific events. This trip gave students the opportunity to slow down, be present, and create memories that will likely stay with both the seniors and kindergarteners for years to come. It also highlighted the strong sense of community encouraged at Manogue, showing how even a few hours of kindness and attention can leave a lasting impression. With the success and positive reactions surrounding this year’s visit, the tradition has clearly become more than just a field trip. It is now a noteworthy part of the senior experience.