Class of 2022 strolls down memory lane

Owen Senior Walk gets warm welcome at local schools

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 20, 2022

There is still work to be done before the Owen High School class of 2022 walks proudly across the stage in Warhorse Stadium for a final rite of passage into early adulthood, but the seniors are already receiving plenty of support from the students in their former schools.

Approximately 120 soon-to-be graduates, dressed in maroon caps and gowns, participated in the Owen Senior Walk, May 20, when they were greeted by their former teachers and current students of four schools in the Owen District.

The seniors loaded multiple buses just after 8 a.m., bound for W.D. Williams Elementary School, where many were returning to their former stomping grounds for the last time. High fives, warm hugs and encouraging words were shared before the group went down the road to Owen Middle, where former Black Mountain and Swannanoa students first attended school together.

The tour ended with visits to the neighboring Black Mountain Primary and Elementary Schools.

Young students lined the hallways with handmade signs congratulating the class and encouraging the seniors as they begin the next chapter of their lives, and cheers echoed through the buildings as many proud teachers once again greeted their former students.

The seniors returned to the high school to finish the day, but they will be back in their caps and gowns at 9 a.m., Saturday, June 11, when Owen hosts its 2022 graduation ceremony.

Photos from the 2022 Owen Senior Walk can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.