The days of velcro shoes, blankies and crayons up noses are long gone for high school students.

But for many parents, teachers and even a few Fredericton High School graduates, kindergarten doesn't seem like all that long ago.

Approximately 400 young men and women graduated from FHS on Thursday.

To elementary teacher Jackie Reed, they still resembled the little children she taught in kindergarten 13 years ago.

"I remember the fear and excitement in their eyes their very first day of school," Reed said. "Now, as I watch them graduate, I see the same look in their eyes of fear for what the future holds and excitement for the next phase of their lives."

Reed, who taught many of the graduates originally from New Maryland Elementary School, sat among rows of proud parents, grandparents and siblings at the graduation ceremony held at the Aitken University Centre.

She said it's a strange feeling to watch the high school students accept their diplomas.

Their physical appearances have changed and they've matured and accomplished much since elementary, Reed said.

Candace Keeling was among those graduating Thursday. She is one of the first students from New Maryland Elementary School to graduate out of the public school system.

"Being the first graduating class from New Maryland is a pretty cool thing," Keeling said. "My time at FHS holds some of the best memories for me, but the years since attending New Maryland, which had a big impact on who I am today, are still pretty fresh in my mind."

Denis LeBlanc, the valedictorian, said graduation is a new beginning.

"The time really has gone by quickly, but that doesn't make it any easier to leave FHS," LeBlanc said. "I'm hoping we'll remember the friends and good times we've had in high school and take what we've learned and experienced with us as we get ready to take on the world."

Reed said she wishes the best for each of the graduates and hopes they will pop in to visit old teachers in future years.

Keeling said her teachers, along with her family, helped to shape her as a person. She said she plans to keep many of them updated as she moves on to university.

Keeling will attend St. Thomas University in the fall in the hope of becoming an elementary-school teacher.