********** With help from NewsPlus Jr. Reporter Sagan Audette, who interviewed the kindergarteners in preparation for this article. **********
Under a warm, sunny spring sky on June 9th, the stadium field at Serrano High School buzzed with an electric energy. The stands were packed with excited parents, cameras in hand, waiting to witness one of Snowline Joint Unified School District’s most cherished traditions, the annual Kinder Bridge Ceremony.
The ceremony officially commenced at 9:30 a.m., bringing together two vastly different generations of Snowline JUSD students. A total of 396 Serrano seniors, standing at the finish line of their childhoods, reached down to take the hands of 501 kindergarteners just beginning their own journeys. Dressed in oversized Serrano High School “Class of 2038” T-shirts, the little ones beamed as they walked alongside their giant counterparts. Families cheered as they crossed the bridge, symbolizing the end of kindergarten and the beginning of their very own 12-year adventure ahead.
Now in its seventeenth year, the Kinder Bridge Ceremony has remained largely unchanged in its format to preserve its powerful message. The event, originally conceived by longtime Snowline JUSD employee Chris Piercy, now the Executive Director of Instruction at Victor Valley College, serves a very deliberate purpose. “The goal was to connect the parents of our kindergarten students to the concept of college and/or career readiness as early as possible,” explained Snowline JUSD Superintendent of Education, Dr. Ryan Holman, Ed.D.
Bringing together two vastly different age groups from multiple school sites requires massive logistical coordination. Dr. Holman credited Assistant Superintendent Dr. Resma Byrne, Director of Risk Management; PIO Robert Chacon; Serrano Principal Lisa Hansen; elementary school principals; and the Department of Transportation for seamlessly executing the massive event. Every single kindergarten class from Baldy Mesa, The Heritage School, Phelan, Pinon Hills, Vista Verde, and Wrightwood Elementary participates in the March.
Special care was taken to pair graduating seniors with their own kindergarten siblings, cousins, or family friends, deepening community connections. “It adds quite well to an already strong connection that exists between Serrano High School and our six elementary schools,” Dr. Holman said, noting that high school music and dance programs frequently visit elementary campuses throughout the year. “The Kinder Walk captures what we endeavor to do for all Snowline JUSD students… Educate. Inspire. Prepare.”
For the graduating seniors, walking alongside children who are just embarking on their 12-year academic journey brought an overwhelming wave of nostalgia.
“Time truly does go by so fast and hits you out of nowhere,” reflected graduating senior Robert Morales, who plans to attend college and become a firefighter. “It’s making me nostalgic. To think that they are barely starting, and I’m already finishing. It won’t be long until they are here. It feels like it’s hitting me that I’m not going to be here anymore.”
Morales offered a piece of advice for his young partner: “Hold on to your morals and goals, continue to strive to be your absolute best, and don’t take it for granted.”
Senior Jada Rodriguez, who plans to enter the real estate field after graduation, shared similar sentiments. “It makes me realize how fast time moved on and how grateful I am for the time that’s past,” Rodriguez said. Her words of wisdom for the Class of 2038 are heartfelt and come from experience, “Stay focused with the things that you love and don’t let anything come between that.”
While the seniors looked back, the kindergarteners were looking forward with excitement and ambition for the future.
Kindergartner Xander DeAtley shared that his favorite part of the morning was being on the stage. He is eagerly looking forward to first grade because he is “excited about getting smarter,” and hopes to become a vet one day. As for his expectations of high school? “I think it might be harder homework,” Xander predicted.
Kimber Thompson, another bright-eyed kindergartner, already has her sights set on becoming a librarian and is most excited to focus on reading in the first grade. She shared that her favorite part of walking with her senior partner was the personal connection: “They asked what my favorite holiday was. It’s Halloween!” When asked what she thinks high school will be like, Kimber said, “I think it will be lots of exercising.”
Because the event has run for nearly two decades, many of the seniors walking this year once wore those same Serrano High School “Class of 2026” kindergarten shirts themselves. Dr. Holman noted that these seniors often remark on how quickly those 12 years flew by.
As the district looks toward the future, the administration plans to reflect on this year’s success as they prepare for the 2026-27 school year, ensuring this beautiful bridge between generations continues to stand strong.
