Students file into Broad Street Elementary School during the first day back to school on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

The parental paparazzi snapped photos at the premier event for Broad Street Elementary’s 2024-25 school year Wednesday, Aug. 28, as students entered the building, many for the first time ever.

Kelli Crose walked her daughter, Josie Hernandez, to the school Wednesday morning for Josie’s first day of kindergarten, on what Crose said was an emotional day for her.

“Just devastated,” Crose said, as Josie walked into the school’s front doors.

Third grader Wayne Hammerstrom II hugs his dad Wayne Hammerstrom ahead of the first day back to school at Broad Street Elementary in Butler on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

The school’s front entrance was decorated with a red carpet and balloon pillars, to create the theme of a Hollywood movie premier. Music played from a speaker as students walked up the steps to meet the principal, Vanessa Boyd, and other teachers who were outside welcoming students Wednesday.

Although summer break was over and students were entering their school routine, most of the children were all smiles as they greeted their friends and teachers for the first time.

It was mainly the parents who teared up as their children went into the school.

“It’s exciting, but it’s emotional,” said Emilee Gould, whose son, Graesyn Gould, was entering kindergarten Wednesday.

Amira and Zach Fair’s children, Oliver and Apollo Fair, were entering first and third grade, respectively, on Wednesday. Amira said the two were excited for their sons, but it was their youngest child, Robin Fair, who would be saddened by his brothers’ absence.

“They’re both so excited this year, so we were excited for them,” Amira said. “(Robin) is going to miss his brothers a lot, especially when we get home and he realizes they aren’t coming with us.”

Third-grader Mariah George walks up the steps of Broad Street Elementary in Butler on the first day back to school on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Mallory Gillespie walks her son Chase Gillespie, a kindergartner, to school during the first day back to school at Broad Street Elementary in Butler on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Third grader Wayne Hammerstrom II puts on his book bag ahead of the first day back to school at Broad Street Elementary in Butler on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Robin Fair watches his older brothers head into school along with parents Zach and Amira Fair during the first day back to school at Broad Street Elementary School on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Students pose with Broad Street Elementary Principal Vanessa Boyd for a picture ahead of the first day back to school at Broad Street Elementary on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Kelli Crose, right, gives her daughter, Josie Hernandez, a kindergartner, a pep talk before she heads inside Broad Street Elementary School for the first day back to school on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle