Bennett Elementary celebrates retiring teachers, fifth grade students on last day of school

FARGO — A long-standing tradition at Bennett Elementary cheered on graduating fifth graders on the last day of school. Hundreds of kids and teachers were seen lining up out of the gym and in the halls for their annual "Clap Out."

At the end of the last day of school, they line the halls and applaud for fifth graders moving on to middle school and teachers who are retiring.

Julie Larson is one such teacher, having taught first grade for 33 years. She said she is going to miss seeing her students and co-workers every day. Larson technically retired last year, but the 2020 clap out was canceled because of COVID.

"Every day, kids would say things that just made me smile inside, and the relationships with my co-workers, to have co-workers that I so enjoyed working with, it made a difference every day," Larson said.

1/3: On the last day of school, younger students line the hallways to clap for the fifth grade students as they exit the building for the last time before going to middle school next fall on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Bennett Elementary School. Alyssa Goelzer / The Forum

2/3: On the last day of school, younger students line up in the hallways all around the school to clap for the fifth grade students as they exit the building for the last time before going to middle school next fall on Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Bennett Elementary School. Alyssa Goelzer / The Forum

3/3: Elementary students exit Bennett Elementary School after their last day of class before summer break on Thursday, June 3, 2021. Alyssa Goelzer / The Forum