The year of 2020 has not been what was expected, with schools closing in March due to the COVID-lockdown. The class of 2020 did not know if they were going to get a graduation ceremony. On August 5th in the Loy Norrix soccer field, they hosted a social distanced graduation ceremony for the class of 2020. It was originally going to be in the auditorium; however, with governor Whitmer’s move to have only 10 people inside at a time. that was no longer possible. So the ceremony was moved to be held on the soccer field.
A video was played prior to the ceremony which featured a speech from new KPS Superintendent Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri. Student speakers were Michaela Martin, Maya Goggins, Brandon Schnurr and Ella Ledbetter-Newton.
Far fewer teachers attended graduation than in years prior. About 14 Loy Norrix teachers attended in their gowns, just like they would in a normal graduation. Even Leonard Duke who has been a guest teacher and parapro at LN for many years was there to support the seniors. It was really nice to see the staff members as I would see them in the hallway even if I didn’t have classes with them. It was just nice to see the people who you used to see 5 days a week, the supportive staff members who we did not get to say goodbye to. Have a nice summer class of 2020.
Whether it was a substitute teacher, security officer, or library assistant, we as students saw these people regularly and then didn’t. The atmosphere at graduation was so happy, so many people whether students, teachers, or friends, got to connect again after months of being locked down and isolated due to COVID-19. Parapros Gloria Cottrell and Leonard Duke, who have been a steady support system for Loy Norrix students, made sure to continue in their support at the outdoor socially-distanced graduation.
Families got to see their children graduate which was not something in the beginning of the pandemic anyone was expecting to happen, but it did.
I am proud of all our graduates congratulations! You’re to do great things.
Photo Credit: Tisha Pankop