Back where they began

Soon-to-be Owen grads score A+ on Senior Walk

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 16, 2025

There was no assignment the morning of May 16 for Owen High School seniors, but if their younger counterparts in the district graded their performance, it would likely have been an A+.

The Owen Class of 2025 returned to the schools in which they began their academic careers for a Senior Walk, beginning at Owen Middle School and continuing to W.D. Williams, Black Mountain Elementary and Black Mountain Primary School.

Owen seniors were greeted by younger students and teachers holding congratulatory signs and cheering them as they walked the familiar hallways. Most of the smaller children reached out for high-fives, while others looked on with expressions of wonder.

“It was really weird, because everything feels so much smaller to me than when I was here,” said Grace Vale, who attended Black Mountain Primary from kindergarten through third grade. “It’s crazy to see that it isn’t as big as I remember.”

The tradition, however, is a significant one, she added.

“It gives them a chance to see that one day they’ll grow up and be in high school, coming back to see the younger kids and their old teachers,” Vale said. “It’s nice for them to know this is something they can look forward to.”

The return trip to W.D. Williams was emotional for senior Savannah Hollingsworth.

“My little cousin is there, and when I saw him I started balling my eyes out,” she said. “But, I think it’s really cool for these kids to see where the will be one day.”

Senior Ezzie Noteboom reflected on his time at his former elementary school in Swannanoa.

“It was really emotional, and everything felt so tiny,” he said. “I didn’t think I was going to feel so much emotion, but it really did bring back a lot of memories.”

Jace Grogan met fellow senior and best friend Wayah Gore in the halls of Black Mountain Primary. It was one of several milestones he recalled during the senior walk.

“I have so many memories here,” Grogan said. “I still remember seeing the seniors come through when I was younger. It really gave me a sense of pride and a feeling that I could accomplish that, so it feels great being here and, hopefully, passing that down to the next generation.”

The Owen Class of of 2025 will take the stage in Warhorse Stadium, Saturday, June 14, for a graduation ceremony.

Photos of the 2025 Owen High School Senior Walk can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.