With the high school's band leading a processional through the halls of its two elementary schools, the graduating class marched through a gauntlet of young well-wishers holding banners and extending their little hands for exchanges of high and low fives.

“They're really big,” one elementary student was overheard saying as graduates made their way through Belmont halls.

(A photo gallery of the event at Belmont is available by following this link. )

Behind the early exercise of pomp and ceremony was the thought of inspiring the youngsters at Manning and Belmont they will one day be in black cap and gowns with the gold tassels hanging from the mortar boards.

“We're really pushing graduation,” said Roanoke Rapids Graded School District spokesman Les Atkins. “The teachers begin talking about graduation at kindergarten. It's to inspire the younger children and for them to have an impressionable moment for them to see they can achieve.”

The event was also an impressionable moment for members of the graduating class.

“It was fun,” said Juanita Webb, who will be attending UNC-Greensboro. “It was really fun for us to be there. I wish they would do this every year.”

David Langley, who will be attending Appalachian State, said, “It was just awesome. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life. Everybody should get that opportunity.”

The walk through the halls of Belmont was nostalgic for Jamie Conner, who will be attending East Carolina. “It definitely was to walk in those halls with my cap and gown. I really liked it. It was really exciting. I would definitely like to see the community do this again.”