A new tradition: Senior Clap Out honors Scotch Plains-Fanwood graduates at their roots 

Scotch Plains-Fanwood, N.J. -- From high-fives to happy tears, the first-ever Senior Clap Out on Friday, June 13 brought joy, nostalgia and community spirit across Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools. The graduating seniors of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School (SPFHS) proudly returned to their elementary schools, where they were welcomed and cheered on by students, teachers and staff. 

“It was incredibly moving to see our youngest students lining the hallways, cheering on the seniors who once stood where they are now,” said Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast. “This celebration not only honored our graduates, but also inspired the next generation of SPF students to imagine their own futures.” 

The idea was proposed by Class of 2025 Salutatorian Mac Bastable and quickly embraced by district administrators, teachers, and staff. Bastable has also served as the student representative on the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education for the last two years. 

“We have a lot of senior events that give us the opportunity to say farewell to the High School, but I thought the Clap Out would be a great experience for the seniors to say farewell to the other schools,” Bastable said. 

The day was especially touching for Bastable, as he returned to Coles Elementary School, where his sister is in second grade. “It was really special to share that moment with her, as I walked down the halls of Coles.” 

For Bastable and the other seniors, the moment brought their SPF experience full circle. Bastable remembers the Clap Out when he transitioned from fourth grade at Coles to fifth grade at Terrill Middle School. 

The Senior Clap Out will become a yearly tradition, reinforcing the sense of community and continuity that defines the SPF experience. 

Bastable, who will be attending Boston College as a finance major in the fall, said he’s proud to leave behind this legacy. “I’m excited to see where this goes in the future,” he added. 

Brunner Elementary School students and staff lined the hallways to cheer on the SPFHS seniors on June 13. 

Graduating seniors returned to their elementary school, School One, for the Senior Clap Out on June 13. 

Graduating seniors of SPFHS took a bus to return to Coles Elementary School for the Senior Clap Out on June 13.