Nicolet rolls out the red carpet welcoming students back with a 14-year tradition

 

GLENDALE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Many students in southeast Wisconsin are headed back to class this week. Thursday, Sept. 1 was the first day of school for some districts -- including Wauwatosa and Nicolet High School.

Nicolet welcomed its students back with a 14-year tradition of rolling out a red carpet.

"Another one getting older. Four more years and then they're gone," said Patrick Elliott. 

It may have been a bittersweet day for parents like Elliott, who sent his daughter off to her first day of freshman year. But for students, it was hard to do anything but smile. Teachers and staff at Nicolet lined the red carpet cheering them on and welcoming them back. It all sets the tone for a good year, said Joe Patek, the school principal. 

"Seeing your teachers clapping for you, seeing your administrators clapping for you, seeing your parents film you," said Patek. "It's really just an awesome opportunity to get kids excited about learning, excited about school. To welcome them back in the building and just remind everyone that we start the new year fresh, and we get a fresh chance to make new impressions." 

The celebration added to the excitement many students were already feeling Thursday morning. 

"They're like ooh we're starting school!" said Talline Knox. "They get to see their friends, they get to start the activities, the basketball and stuff like that, they're excited." 

In addition to the red carpet being lined by parents and staff, The Brass Quartet also played in celebration.

This is not the kind of welcome back I got on my first day of school in any grade! But Nicolet HS knows how to celebrate an exciting return ? pic.twitter.com/H1JI0qMMVN

— Amanda Becker (@AmandaBeckerTV) September 1, 2022