Seniors take ‘virtual strut’ back to Heritage elementary

MADISON – The “Heritage Senior Strut” transformed into an online format to allow James Clemens High School seniors to celebrate their elementary alma mater.

“We had so many of our 2020 seniors at James Clemens who were totally bummed about missing their Senior Strut at Heritage,” Heritage Principal Dr. Georgina Nelson said. “Our wonderful staff put together a virtual strut and celebration for them.”

Fourth-grade teacher Katie Scruggs coordinated the event. Rachel Gibbs, Gifted Specialist at Heritage, produced the video for YouTube.

“The Senior Strut has become a tradition at Heritage,” Scruggs said “Several of my former students mentioned they were sad to miss out on so many senior moments. I thought, ‘I bet we could create a virtual strut to honor our former Rams.’”

“We did our best to make sure all students received the information,” Scruggs said about emailing the seniors, posting announcements on social media and word-of-mouth advertising. Approximately 30 students participated virtually.

To participate, most students submitted a recording, while some sent a photograph.

Gibbs compiled the seniors’ submissions. “Rachel is great at putting together videos, so I enlisted her help. She agreed without hesitation,” Scruggs said.

Senior Cory Hagood best remembers his sixth-grade field day at Heritage. He will attend the University of Alabama in Huntsville, study engineering and play baseball.

Daniel Jacob Moore’s favorite memory is serving on the Patriot Patrol to raise and lower the American flag – his responsibility during grades 5-6. “Thanks to all my teachers. I loved you all,” Moore said.

Kelly Ann Parrish will attend the University of Alabama and pursue a double major in English literature and theater. She also fondly remembers sixth-grade Field Day.

Tori Tahchawwickah will major in music therapy at UA and march with UA Million Dollar Band. “My favorite memory from Heritage was extended day. That’s where I met my best friend,” Tahchawwickah said.

Mikaya Rice said her best memories were attending Space Camp at Camp McDowell. “My future plans are to attend Calhoun for my two-year degree in nursing, as well as general education classes,” Rice said.

Natalie Spence will attend UNA to study biology and pursue a career as a veterinarian. “My favorite Heritage memory was our Roaring Twenties’ party in sixth grade,” Spence said.

Sixth grade at Heritage was special to Sarah Kate Woosley because she “had Ms. Chaffin and Ms. Dixon as teachers. My cousin, Dr. Georgina Nelson, became Heritage principal that year. Please cherish every single moment of your schooling. Every single moment is so important, even when it’s hard,” Woosley said.

To view the Senior Strut, visit https://youtu.be/O4Wu3c0T83M.