By Annabeth Miller
ShowMe Times Editor

The last days of school can bring with it much laughter and sometimes even tears. As students depart for the summer, some breath a sigh relief to have the summer to relax and enjoy freedom of vacation fun. 

Of course, they know full well that a new school year will mean changes – a change in school building, changes in routine, a moving on up the ladder.

In following a tradition now in its sixth year at Dexter’s Central Elementary School, fifth grade students participated in the annual “Clap-Out” – a parade from the Fifth Grade Hallway all the way across the building to the northern-most exit. 

It’s a parade through younger students, faculty and staff all clapping and congratulating the students for a job “well done” and moving on to the next stage in their educational career. Led by Bowman clearing the hallway lined with clapping students and adults, classes of students were a constant, steady parade. 

Most of the fifth grade honorees were excited and proud during Tuesday’s Clap-Out at Central. Broad smiles and “high fives” were seen throughout their journey down the hallway accompanied by cheering and much clapping.

The parade of honor ends on the north playground – with students ready for those final school bells to ring on Wednesday.

The final day of classes for the Dexter Public Schools is Wednesday, May 23. Students will attend for a half day. The 2012-2013 academic year will begin on Aug. 16.

Photo Above: Natalie Sitze heads down the school hallway during the annual ClapOut for fifth grade students at Central Elementary School in Dexter. Natalie and her fellow fifth graders will 'graduate' to sixth grade next school year - which means a whole new experience at T.S. Hill Middle School. (ShowMe Times photo by Annabeth Miller)