SWS Class of 2020 Graduation
Usually we urge the whole school to attend our eighth grade graduations, not only to celebrate the accomplishments of the class and mark their rite of passage, but also to witness the culmination of the eight year journey through a Waldorf school. This year, due to the pandemic, the gathering had to be small, just the families of the eighth graders, Ms. Shaffer (their teacher), Ms. St. Pierre (the Drama teacher who gave a commencement speech), and myself (who handed out the diplomas).
The ceremony was at Camp Eureka. Parents had decorated the small outdoor stage with flowers and veils that caught the gentle breeze. Families spread out picnic blankets or lawn chairs, keeping a six-foot distance between each family unit, to savor their own picnic dinners before the ceremony began at 6:45 pm.
Starting with the students who had joined the class most recently, Ms. Shaffer then shared a tribute and wish about each student with heartfelt inspiring words that let each student know how clearly she saw them for who they are now and who they are becoming. After her tribute, that student came up and addressed the audience, giving highlights of his or her journey, transformations, aspirations, and gratitude.
As each student was showcased, the evening grew cooler and families drew on sweatshirts or huddled under sleeping bags or blankets, and the woods seemed to close in, sheltering us in a sacred space. After the speeches, the students sang an uplifting song together, received their diplomas one by one from me, and then said goodbye and thank you to Ms. Shaffer, just as they had at the close of class each day for eight years.
There were cupcakes for all, but the darkness was deepening, so as they were being eaten, we were also packing up. Everyone felt grateful that graduation happened in person, and as one grandparent said as we walked back to the cars, the ceremony was a positive, hope-filled reprieve and antidote to the insecurity and anxiety of our current moment in time.
William Greenway, an alumnus from the class of 2015, filmed the evening--his second battery dying just at the last diploma was handed out. Below is a link to the video so that you, too, can be inspired by the beauty and the wisdom of the class of 2020 and their teacher.
https://youtu.be/hZIyVk9k4dY
Submitted by Julie McCallan
