Before graduation, seniors from Bob Jones High School visited their alma mater, West Madison Elementary School. West Madison Principal Dr. Daphne Jah, center, welcomed the seniors back ‘home.’ CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – The week before they marched to “Pomp and Circumstance,” graduating seniors in Bob Jones High School’s Class of 2016 returned to their elementary alma mater one last time.

The Bob Jones seniors visited West Madison Elementary School to reminisce with principal Dr. Daphne Jah and former teachers.

“On May 18, West Madison held an assembly to honor these graduates that went to West Madison,” Bob Jones Assistant Principal Amy Thaxton said. “All the graduates who attended West Madison were not there, but eight students were able to go and represent their class.”

The Bob Jones graduates are Lou Ann Crosby, Alex Dillion, Parker Harless, William Irrgang, Chan Lee, Grace Marenka, Jackson Rumley and Luke Whaley.

Jah accepted the job as their principal 12 years ago when these graduates were in first grade. Their former teachers who still work at West Madison are Cheryl Bailey, Pam Berry, Kimberly Hobbs, Wendy Tibbs and Lisa Walden.

“Parker Harless encouraged the West Madison students to know they ‘always have a teacher or counselor to talk to — you’re never alone. You may think you are, but you aren’t,'” Bob Jones Principal Sylvia Lambert said about comments during the assembly.

Lambert recalled “the sweet message from Alex Dillion that stated he can’t believe how fast time has gone by, and he just wanted to wish that every student would take advantage of every moment.”

Graduates Lou Ann Crosby and Grace Marenka encouraged students “to always do their very best and get involved in activities within your school.” West Madison students performed a song and gave a gift to each of the graduates.

“It was a joyous reunion between the teachers and the graduates,” Lambert said. Dr. Jah said she hopes that West Madison can make an annual event for the reunion with graduating alumni.