'Gets the morale going': Nicolet Union High School rolls out the red carpet to welcome students back, honoring 20-year-old tradition

GLENDALE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- On Tuesday morning, students at Nicolet Union High School got a welcome straight out of Hollywood as they returned for the first day of classes.

As kids arrived, they were greeted by a long red carpet that led directly to the school's entrance, as well as a live band that played them on as they walked down.

"I really like it, I think seeing your teachers and stuff and having them all clap, and the band is obviously really nice, just being greeted like that is really cool," said senior Dang Vu. "It gets the morale going, gets you excited even though you're really nervous to go to school."

Others, like senior Norah Wadzinski, said she couldn't believe the school year was already starting.

"I used to find it really embarrassing when I was a freshman but now it's second nature and it's become a tradition and it's actually kind of fun," Wadzinski said. "Feeling good, feeling very excited, positive."

According to Dr. Greg Kabara, the district's superintendent, the red-carpet welcome is a tradition that stretches back 20 years.

"It's exciting to keep it going and it's something that started before I got here and it's nice to keep it going and allow the community to celebrate the first day of school with their kids," Dr. Kabara said. "Freshman parents are very excited to see the freshmen on the carpet entering high school, senior parents as well seeing their last first day of school for them is really exciting."

He added that there are lots of things to look forward to in the upcoming school year and he's excited to see them get moving.

"It's great to have kids back in the building, our staff is excited, we're ready to go," Dr. Kabara said. "We're off to a great start, we want them to have the best year possible, be the best student, teacher they can, work hard and enjoy their time here at Nicolet."