The Riverwalk Roar

Happy Sunday, Pride!

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this three-day weekend. While we relax and have fun, let’s also take a moment to remember those who gave their lives serving our country. I know I’m truly grateful for their sacrifices.

This morning, I sat down to write this final newsletter, and before I even started typing, I opened my inbox to find subject lines like “LAST email for 3rd Grade News!” and “WE MADE IT!”—a true sign that the end of the year is here.

I have mixed feelings about these final few days of school. Part of me is thrilled that, to quote one of our teachers, “We made it!” But another part of me feels a little sad that we’re about to hit pause on our relationship for the next two months. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy my summers! And believe it or not, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that happens over the summer so we can be fully prepared for the start of the 2025–2026 school year. But school isn’t the same without the students.

On Thursday, we graduated our fourth senior class, and the event went as expected... lots of cheer and lots of tears (of joy) from everyone—parents, students, and even the staff. That’s right, lots of tears from staff, and I had a front-row seat to see it all. The last three senior classes were about 20 students each, but this year’s Class of 2025 had 33 students. Some of these graduates have been at Riverwalk Academy since 2014—that’s 11 years we’ve stood side by side with them as they made their way from 2nd grade to graduating high school.

Unlike a traditional school, where students move from one elementary to a different middle school, and then on to a separate high school, our students stay with us. That gives us a rare and meaningful opportunity to truly grow alongside them. We get to know them deeply—not just as learners, but as people. So yes, it’s only natural that many of our staff were emotional on graduation day. These students weren’t just “this year’s seniors”—they were part of our daily lives for many years, and their journey is also our journey.

Looking ahead to our current 10th-grade class, we have 11 students—18% of the Class of 2027—who were here when Riverwalk Academy first opened its doors on August 18, 2014. I can only imagine what graduation will be like in two more years when we celebrate the 60 students of the Class of 2027, including those 11 who will have spent 2,340 school days with us.

Lions, on behalf of the 104 staff members of Riverwalk Academy, thank you for giving us the honor of being part of your child’s educational journey. We sincerely hope you and your family have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing you on July 31, 2025.

In Pride and Purpose,

~Dr. Compton