Why Lapeer’s 99-Year-Old Graduation Tradition Still Draws Huge Crowds

There are a lot of graduation traditions out there, but I don't know if there's one quite like what happens every year in downtown Lapeer.

What Is Lapeer's Swing Out Tradition?

More than 325 members of Lapeer High School's Class of 2026 gathered this week for the community's nearly century-old "Swing Out" tradition, and if you've never seen it in person, it's something special. The tradition dates all the way back to 1927.

READ MORE: Michigan School's Time Machine Graduation Video Goes Viral

Seniors grab hold of one long rope, symbolizing the bond they've shared throughout their school years, and make one final walk together through downtown before heading off into the next chapter of their lives. What makes it stand out isn't just the rope. It's the crowd.

Downtown Lapeer Turns Out For The Class Of 2026

According to MLive, hundreds of parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, and community members packed Nepessing Street, cheering, blowing bubbles, tossing confetti, handing out flowers, and celebrating the graduates as they passed by. For one evening, downtown Lapeer becomes a giant sendoff party.

Get our free mobile app

And listening to the seniors talk about it reminds you what graduation season is really about.

Mid-Michigan Seniors Look Ahead To Their Futures

Some students are still figuring out exactly what's next. Others already have a plan. One graduate is heading toward a nursing career, beginning at Mott Community College before transferring to UM-Flint. Another earned a full-ride scholarship to study mechanical engineering at UM-Flint. Different paths, same destination: moving forward.

READ MORE: Michigan Prom Cancelled One Hour Before It Was Supposed To Start

One student summed it up perfectly, saying graduation feels like everyone taking that next step and finally getting the chance to choose what they want to do with their lives.

A Tradition Nearly 100 Years Strong

That's really what makes Swing Out so meaningful. It's not just about celebrating the end of high school. It's about recognizing the moment when an entire class stands on the edge of adulthood together, one last time, before heading in hundreds of different directions.

READ MORE: Genesee County Principal Warns About Hidden Vape Devices

In a world where so many traditions disappear over time, it's pretty remarkable that Lapeer is still doing something that started nearly 100 years ago. And judging by the crowds that continue to show up every year, this is one tradition that's not going anywhere anytime soon.