A Most Unexpected 5th-Grade Graduation

My daughter graduated 5th grade this past Monday. It was one of the first times this year where a large body of people was allowed to get together. And yet, it was not your usual cap-and-gown affair. Instead, it was in the sports field next to the district office with the students entering from one side and the parents entering from the other. Attendance was limited to 4 per student, with each group being given a collection of chairs separate from the others by 6 ft. Students were placed in an orderly line, separated by classes, and staggered as they both entered the staging area as well as when they were getting ready to receive their diploma.

Once their name was called, the student came up on stage, accepted their diploma, took a picture with their teacher and then went off stage. Masks were required everywhere and only ever allowed off for the student when they took that single picture, while everyone else around them was still masked. There were some speeches given by students and a few guests, but for the most part it was very cut-and-dry. Certainly not what one would have expected for a moving-up ceremony.

That being said, it was still wonderful to have an actual ceremony instead of a cyber-conference or having it be cancelled altogether. That was unfortunately what happened for last year’s 5th graders who were completely blindsided by COVID. The students were impacted so much this year that being recognized for their dedication to their studies in spite of the unique circumstances deserves celebration.

And, of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without their amazing principal and incredible 5th grade teachers, who went above and beyond to make it as enjoyable as possible, including having a safe reception afterword at their school.

Congratulations, Alicia! May middle school be just as exciting, but far less dire.