Strolling A Little Further Back: FCHS Senior Leads Special Walk Through Clark Memorial
- Terri Carter
- Jun 4
- 4 min read
While high school memories often take center stage during graduation ceremonies, the years leading up to that milestone are equally meaningful, filled with moments that shape who we become and leave a lasting impact. The first day of kindergarten. Learning how to write our name or recite our address and phone number. The outside recesses and surprise pizza party days. Or when one of our classmates would bring in those really good cookies so the entire class could celebrate their birthday with them.
Middle school and high school undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping us during our formative years. But those early elementary school days? They carry a unique sense of innocence and simplicity that’s truly unmatched. From learning to read to forming our first friendships, those years are filled with pure wonder and discovery—setting the stage for everything that follows.
For Franklin County Class of 2025 graduate Andie Jane McBee, Clark Memorial Elementary wasn’t just her first school—it was the foundation of her educational journey. As she prepares to step into the vast future ahead, she felt compelled to leave a final tribute to the place that shaped her earliest memories, ensuring her goodbye is filled with meaning and appreciation.
Unlike the traditional senior stroll that typically takes place at middle school buildings, McBee took a different approach, securing permission to organize a special senior stroll at Clark Memorial Elementary. Determined to make it meaningful, she personally reached out to every senior who had attended Clark from Franklin County and Huntland High Schools, inviting them to take part in the event. But her efforts didn’t stop there—she also tracked down former teachers who had moved or retired, ensuring that those who played a vital role in shaping their early education could be part of this heartfelt moment.
Months of planning and dedication led to a beautifully executed stroll, where past and present came together in an emotional tribute to Clark Memorial. McBee also made it a priority to honor Principal David Carson, celebrating his retirement and the unwavering commitment he had shown to the school and its students. The result was a touching farewell that left tears in the eyes of seniors, staff, and retirees alike.
The retired teachers or teachers who had moved away that were in attendance included Kathy Holt, Katie Stewart, Elaine Weaver, and Angie Cutrell.
“I made a whole list of people I needed to talk to.”, stated McBee. “I had a list of people I was talking to, a list of the people who had officially said yes, and a list of the retired teachers. I messaged all of the students on Snapchat, and I found the retired teachers on Facebook.”
McBee’s mother, Alisa McBee, provided a sheet cake for the seniors and retired teachers and a special Tennessee Volunteers cookie cake for Principal Carson.
“Mr. Carson is the biggest Tennessee fan in the world.”, said Andie Jane. “He was just very involved as a principal. He would stand out and talk to everyone. I’ve always loved Mr. Carson. When there was a Tennessee home game, the Friday before that he would play Rocky Top over the intercom. That was my favorite thing. He would do all kinds of stuff with us. He even dyed his hair purple one time. It really meant a lot to us.”
McBee stated that she does hope to have left behind a legacy, encouraging the seniors and elementary schools to traditionalize the senior stroll.
“After I did the senior stroll, other elementary schools started doing it too.”, she said. “Rock Creek and North Lake. And I really want it to start becoming an actual thing so the high school will start doing it. It was so nice seeing all of the retired teachers and the kids were really excited, too. I actually talked to a first grader about Minecraft for fifteen minutes. He told me he was going to be a famous gamer, and I told him I would remember him.”
McBee’s future shines just as brightly as her achievements. Graduating with high honors and ranking seventh in a class of over 250 students, she has already set the stage for an incredible journey ahead. This fall, she will take the next step at the University of Alabama-Huntsville, supported by over $37,000 in scholarships. With a major in Aerospace Engineering, she’s aiming for the stars—whether through a career at NASA or as civilian military personnel. One thing is certain: her ambitions are as boundless as the sky itself.
