WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A global pandemic forced them to give up the usual high school graduation experience.
A mid-ceremony, rain threatened to interrupt the outdoor alternative created for the day.
But Mount Greylock Regional School's class of 2020 soldiered on and pulled off a memorable "drive through" graduation that went off without a hitch and slightly ahead of schedule as the school sent 84 newly minted grads riding off into the sunshine.
Most of the traditional graduation speeches were delivered in advance, virtually, and wrapped into a Zoom presentation that is available on the school's YouTube channel and Williamstown's community access television station, WilliNet.
But Class President Alexander William Morin delivered a greeting on Saturday morning as his classmates waited nearby in the parking lot to take their turns in the spotlight.
"Today marks the destination of a successful four-year journey for our class," Morin said. "I hope you all remember throughout life that your travel should be about the journey you're on and not the destination.
"I understand it has been difficult, especially in these trying times. We have been asked to forfeit so much in these past few months. Many will remember this as our defining moment in high school. Do not let this assumption hold true.
Morin told his classmates not to shy away from difficult decisions as embark on the next phases of their lives.
"Graduation marks more than one chapter and ending another," he said. "It marks the beginning of when you and you alone make decisions that affect the rest of your life. Some will be easy. Others will be challenging. Be bold and take on new challenges. You have all worked hard to get here."
After congratulating his fellow grads-to-be and leading the students and families in the Pledge of Allegiance, Morin stepped down from the podium and then stepped back up the front steps of the school to be the first recipient of a diploma.
The rest of his classmates followed, one by one driving — or being driven by a parent — to the front of the school. Each senior then climbed the front steps toward the main entrance of the school for a final time as a Mount Greylock student and received his or her diplomas.
Although some had to make a run for it when the skies open up, by the end of the ceremony, the sun was again shining for class officers Gabriella Alvarez and Anna Welch to make the day's final presentations — to class adviser Lynn Jordan and Principal Mary MacDonald, respectively.
"I'd like to take a moment to honor Mrs. MacDonald on what will be her last graduation as principal," Welch said. "We've had the honor of having you as our devoted principal for all of our six years at Mount Greylock. Your dedication and drive for excellence has been an inspiring model for every student who has been under your administrative wing.
"Everyone should hold themselves to the high standards that you do yourself."
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Teacher of the Month: Frani Miceli
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
Students say teacher Frani Miceli makes learning fun.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Williamstown Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Frani Miceli has been selected as the July Teacher of the Month.
The Teacher of the Month series, in collaboration with Berkshire Community College, will run for the next 12 months and will feature distinguished teachers nominated by community members. You can nominate a teacher here.
Miceli has been teaching for 26 years and has worked to develop a happy, comfortable, and creative learning environment for her pupils.
Through her connection with her students and the decor on her classroom walls, Miceli hopes to help them realize that being kind is possible.
"I have a thing on my wall that says, 'Character is what you do when no one is watching.' So, I hope that they have internalized that," Miceli said.
"We make personal decisions because it's the right thing to do, and sometimes our actions can negatively impact other people, and sometimes they can positively impact other people. So I think happy kids make happy choices, and so I just want them to be happy, engaged children"
Every single one of her students in her morning math class jumped at the opportunity to praise their teacher.
The exhibit, "Edgar Degas: Multi-Media Artist in the Age of Impressionism," coincides with the 150th anniversary of the first impressionist exhibition, which was held in Paris in 1874.
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The Select Board on Monday discussed how the town communicates to residents during an emergency and whether residents unaffiliated with Williams College should have access to the same information as college students and staff about incidents on campus. click for more
The Prudential Committee on Wednesday discussed the need for a policy for all call-volunteer firefighters who reach the state's mandatory retirement age.
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The Select Board on Monday was told that it should let the people who walk their dogs in the Spruces Park decide how the 114-acre town-owned park is managed. click for more
The exhibit "Fragile Beauty" fills the pavilion with glass objects from the Corning Museum of Glass, showcasing different cultures, time periods and techniques, and will run through Oct. 27.
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