Hillcrest High Seniors Set to Return to Roots for Annual
April 18, 2026
The Class of 2026 is preparing for one of the most sentimental milestones of their high school careers. Hillcrest High School has officially released the schedule for the Senior Clapouts, a cherished local tradition where graduating seniors return to their former elementary schools to walk the halls in their graduation regalia.
On Thursday, May 14, hundreds of seniors will trade the high school hallways for the smaller corridors where their educational journeys began. The event serves as both a farewell to the district and an inspiration to current elementary students.
A Morning of Celebration
The clapouts are staggered throughout the morning across the district, with most events beginning between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM. Seniors are instructed to wear their full caps and gowns and, in many cases, bring their student IDs for security check-in.
The morning kicks off early at Bell’s Crossing, where students must arrive by 7:30 AM for an 8:00 AM start. Fountain Inn seniors will follow shortly after, arriving at 7:45 AM for a group photo before their 8:00 AM walk.
At Bethel, Bryson, and Mauldin elementary schools, students are expected to arrive by 8:00 AM, with their walks scheduled to begin at 8:15 AM. Notably, Mauldin and Simpsonville have extended an open invitation to senior families to attend the ceremony, while Rudolph Gordon welcomes parents provided they check in at the front office first.
Unique Traditions and Logistics
Several schools have added personal touches to the celebration. Greenbriar seniors are encouraged to wear any academic cords they have earned to showcase their achievements. Meanwhile, Oakview Elementary has scheduled a unique afternoon slot at 1:00 PM; they have asked seniors to wear t-shirts under their gowns that represent their chosen college, military branch, or future career path.
Monarch seniors will gather in front of the school at 8:05 AM, while the students at Plain will start their walk at 8:00 AM sharp, with a group picture following the event.
Making “HHS Proud”
The clapout is more than just a photo opportunity; it is a bridge between the past and the future. For the graduating seniors, it is a chance to visit former teachers and revisit the classrooms where they first learned to read and write. For the elementary students lining the halls, seeing the “big kids” in their caps and gowns provides a tangible goal for their own academic futures.
School officials are reminding all participating students to be “RAM Ready” as they represent Hillcrest High across the community. Students headed to Bryson are also reminded to complete the Google Form on the school website to ensure they are featured in the upcoming senior slide show.
