Table of Contents
Winchester High School said goodbye to the Class of 2025 with a time-honored tradition of the Clap Out.
The what?
“The Clap Out is a long standing tradition that goes back many, many years,” said WHS Principal Dennis Mahoney in an email. “It was traditionally done in our Dining Commons, but we recently moved it to our turf field for more space. This year, we moved it back inside because of the unpredictable weather. It’s always been a great way to celebrate our graduates as a full school wide community effort and it is an important milestone for our culture/community building efforts.”
The inside of WHS was crowded May 30 as the school bell was ready to ring. On the sidelines were lowerclassmen and faculty ready to cheer out the class.
Why do the students get into the tradition so much?
“It’s an ultimate happy/sad moment that has many emotions tied to it,” Mahoney explained.
And what about the last day for seniors? Is it the beginning of the graduation season for them?
Members of the Class of 2025 leave the high school on Friday afternoon, May 30. WINCHESTER NEWS STAFF PHOTOS/NELL ESCOBAR COAKLEY
“The whole week is really the beginning of the end of their time as WHS students for them,” Mahoney said. “The process actually really starts all the way back in late March when we do Royals.”
The Class of 2025 will hold its Promenade on Wednesday evening before heading off to the Prom. The class will officially graduate on Sunday, June 8 at Boston Symphony Hall.
