NILES — Though their graduation was more than a week away, Niles High School and New Tech seniors busted out their graduation caps Wednesday afternoon to take part in a traditional Senior Walk through elementary and middle schools.

While recognizing seniors’ accomplishment of graduating is part of the aim, administration also said they hope it inspires younger students to continue their education and graduate from high school.

Pouring from the doors of a school bus into the school hallway, hundreds of students in gold and blue caps began the tour at Northside Child Development Center that afternoon. Topping their heads, students wore their graduation caps and tassels. Some students also wore honor cords or sashes of academic recognition.

The seniors slapped high fives with elementary school students lining the hallways for the walk. Teachers and administration also took part in the walk and cheered: “Congratulations!” as students made their way through the hall.

Chris Porter, the Niles High School assistant principal, said the tradition started last year, after the school officials suggested it.

Porter said he took part in the event last year and saw how much it meant to seniors.

“The looks on the faces of the seniors were transcendent,” Porter said. “I think it started to really hit them how big of a moment this is. It really made the kids feel great. I can’t speak for the little ones, but for our seniors, this makes them feel like rock stars.”

Principal of Northside Elementary School David Eichenberg said the tradition is one he believes can also encourage younger students to want to graduate high school.

“I think it just lets them see where they are hoping to be one day,” Eichenberg said. “It lets them know that [graduating] is ultimately what they are working towards.”

Additionally, Eichenberg said a number of this year’s graduating seniors grew up within the Niles school district and were first taught at the local elementary schools. The walk gives them a chance to return to that school and see those teachers who first encouraged them to learn.

“They might be walking some of the halls that they have trod through over the years,” Eichenberg said. “They might also see some of the former teachers they might have had.”

Students Senior Walk tour included Northside, Howard-Ellis, Ballard Elementary, Ring Lardner and Oak Manor, where Eastside Connections students are temporarily being housed during bond construction.

While Niles High School senior Andrew Eastwood said he grew up in South Bend and attended Ballard Elementary in Niles, the walk made him reflect on his school experience.

“I enjoyed it,” Eastwood said. “The teachers are nice and they help you.”

Niles High School graduation commencement will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 31, at Niles High School, 1441 Eagle Street.

Next week, Brandywine High School seniors will host their own traditional Senior Walk starting around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 31.

For Niles seniors, Porter said the Senior Walk emphasizes the community’s support.

“When you are getting cheered by kids that look up to you … they maybe remember back to when they were the ages of some of these kids,” Porter said.