NRCA’s Senior Parade Unites the Campus in Celebration

Sunshine and smiles filled the Senior Parade route as the Class of 2026 circled the campus in celebration of their final month of high school and all the years that came before. From PreK through the junior class, NRCA students and teachers, along with staff and parents, lined the sidewalk, waving and cheering.  

“Last year, there was a pirate car, and I really, really liked that one. I’m excited for the pirate car!” said first grader Eddie S., while waiting for the parade to start. Immediately after Eddie said he hoped to see pirates, a line of pickup trucks decked out with waves and filled with pirates wielding inflatable swords rounded the corner and came into view. The first graders started jumping and waving.  

Sixth grader Evangelene S. said she was most excited about “seeing the seniors’ energy and how excited they are.” She added that she looks forward to being part of the parade during her senior year and seeing the enthusiasm that younger students will have when it's her turn to be in the Senior Parade.  

The Senior Parade is a relatively new tradition at NRCA, which is celebrating its 30th year of school. The parade began with the Class of 2019. This year’s senior class features 29 “lifers”—students who have attended NRCA from kindergarten through 12th grade.  

“I think it’s super fun—I love that the seniors get to do this,” said junior Sydney Trollip. “I can’t wait to do it next year. It’s really cool to see all your friends go by and wave at them and see how much fun they’re having.” 

This year’s senior homerooms chose a variety of themes. Blanchard’s Buccaneers, Evans’ Senior Things, Ms. L’s Lifeguards, Perry’s Popstars, Sever’s Survivors, and Stott’s Sailors clapped and pointed as students along the parade route waved signs and cheered. 

One of the biggest blessings of having elementary, middle, and high school divisions on the same campus at NRCA is that the younger students grow up looking forward to the senior year traditions.  

That years-long sense of anticipation is one of the ideas behind the Senior Parade. NRCA Superintendent Dr. Kevin Mathes grew up in a PreK through 12th grade Christian school in Indiana, and his school held a senior parade each year to honor the graduating class. He was excited to bring the tradition to Raleigh.   

“It not only brings the senior class together in decorating cars and collectively participating in the parade, but it also is an opportunity for PreK all the way through 11th grade to circle the building to celebrate the senior class,” Mathes said.  

“The sense of community—with parents and students and teachers and staff—makes it such a special event. And I pray that the experience has lasting memories for these seniors, as my senior parade did for me.” 

As they marked the final lap around campus, the Class of 2026 celebrated where they have been and where God is leading them next.