Page 20 - Priorities #74
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candles they had received and their time together remained sacred and meaningful to the entire class.
Finally on June 6, decorated cars lined the Priory driveway as they made their way to the Kovacs field for graduation. Masked students and family members excitedly waved to one another from their cars as they parked in designated spots on the field. Since only graduates and the family members they were sheltering in place with were allowed to attend, a livestream was set up to allow friends, classmates, and family members to view the ceremony. The graduation setup looked like a classic drive in theater complete with three giant screens placed around the field to ensure every car had a view of the action that was occurring on the stage. Upbeat and fun music played over the towering sound system as cars continued to arrive. As students and their families got settled in their cars, one Priory tradition was able to remain–the familiar sound of a bagpipe and drum slowly grew louder as the musicians marched down the center of the field.
Father Matthew Leavy, O.S.B. began the ceremony with an opening prayer. “This vehicular ceremony is unique due to the circumstances in which we find ourselves that are also unique,” he said. Class favorites Damian Cohen and Amy Payne welcomed the crowd and addressed the graduates with some appreciated advise.
Student speaker Maya Blevins ’20 exited her vehicle to give the student address. Maya addressed her fellow classmates with a surreal but honest view on their senior year together “And then overnight it was suddenly different. Our senior year would not finish as we had expected it would. I never imagined I would finish my final months in high school by spending THIS much time with my family or binge watching Tiger King.” But as Maya would explain, “the one thing that didn’t change was what the Priory community has taught us, it is the culmination of the lessons we have learned over the past three and a half years that has allowed us to be resilient during these unprecedented times. We were able to begin again, finding new ways to stay in touch, discover new passions, and celebrate together as a class.”
Finally as a fitting close to his 30 year tenure at Priory, Head of School Tim Molak, gave the commencement address. “I will be driving out–leaving the Priory for the last time as Head of School but also joining all of you as an alum,” remarked Mr. Molak. He then reminded everyone that the theme for the year was “Envision” and shared seven envisions- some serious and some humorous. 1. “Envision a little history about Priory,” 2. “Envision Senior Projects,” 3. “Envision Humans Behaving Badly,” 4. “Envision that Black lives did matter!”, 5. “Envision Roberts Market,” 6. “Envision
a reality you live with,” and finally, 7. “Envision the end of my talk.” Mr. Molak closed with a heartfelt message, “30 years goes by so fast, I am going to hold on to my Priory memories forever- all 10,950 days of them–you 2020 are a part of it.”
Then before they knew it, it was time for the graduates to receive their diplomas. Like a well-orchestrated dance, Mr. Morris and Ms. Faisal glided from car to car to get students out of their vehicles moments before their name was announced. As each student made their way to the stage a “walk up song” of their choice was played. Some students danced, some walked to the beat, and some strolled calmly as if they were walking along a beach during sunset. Each student crossed the stage to applause and flashing lights from cars, then immediately returned to their vehicle after making a large loop. Some students located near the far end of the field literally walked the circumference of the soccer field to receive their diploma. And they did it with a smile that could be seen even through a mask.
To the delight of everyone, the handful of international students that were unable to return for graduation were broadcast live from their homes donning their cap and gown and proudly holding up their Priory diplomas when their names were called.
As the memorable ceremony came to a close, graduates and their families watched the senior video like it was a trip down memory lane. Graduation really was like a drive in now! And as the video faded away, the crowd could not contain their happiness and excitement in an amazing graduation for the Class of 2020 and began to honk their horns and flash their lights which brought back familiar sights and sounds of the always anticipated and loved spirit week. The Class of 2020 then drove off the field with balloons and streamers whipping about and exited the driveway for the first time as Priory alumni.
    US GRADUATION
























































































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