Fresno Unified high school seniors take a walk in their cap and gowned early to inspire a younger generation

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's back to elementary for the graduating seniors of Sunnyside and Hoover High Schools. The graduating seniors may be getting their diplomas next week, but they're already doing senior walks in their caps and gowns.

While preparing to walk the graduation stage they're taking a different kind of walk to inspire younger generations.

Josseline Portillo, a Sunnyside High School graduate, said, "We tell them words of encouragement, like graduate high school, finish school, do well in school, and stuff like that."

School buses filled with the high school seniors are making stops throughout Fresno Unified to encourage higher education.

Soon to be Fresno State student Portillo said she hopes the students she's speaking to take the same walk when they're in her shoes.

"Trying to get a message out there to the kids to graduate high school, to let them know how important it really is."

For Portillo, the stop at John Burrows Elementary came full circle.

"This has been a very incredible experience, very, like, emotional."

Portillo said it's important to rise above any challenges, including peer pressure.

Her message to any students reading this, "To never give up on your hopes and dreams. If you feel that you can do it, then do it. Don't doubt yourself because of what other people think."