Last Friday’s drive-through graduation was a red-blue-letter day in Staples history.
The high school’s Class of 2020 was honored with decorated cars, signs, balloons, music, and an almost 1-on-1 ceremonial turning of the tassel. It was joyful, personal, meaningful and fun.
Of course, a few elements of a traditional graduation were missing: “Pomp and Circumstance,” speeches, and the chance for everyone to see all the graduates at once.
No problem!
Yesterday — the day of the originally scheduled commencement — a complete video was released. It’s as close to a familiar graduation — say, 2019 — as possible. And it will live forever.
Former media instructor Jim Honeycutt once again worked his magic. He took each element, reimagined it, taped it, and made it — just like the Class of 2020 — both timeless and timely.
John Videler’s drone video sets the scene.
Drone footage from John Videler sets the “Pomp and Circumstance” scene. Staples Players president Sam Laskin serves as emcee. Principal Stafford Thomas delivers a special welcome.
Luke Rosenberg proves he’s not only a masterful choral director, but also a technological wizard. He weaves together remote performances from 40 singers, into a stunningly beautiful “Star-Spangled Banner.”
You wouldn’t know these 40 voices were all recorded separately.
Valedictorian Ben Spector and salutatorian Benji Schussheim speak about their — and their class’s — journey.
Valedictorian Ben Spector and salutatorian Benji Schussheim.
Then comes a slide show. All 437 graduates get 10 seconds each — with congratulatory messages from their families. Orchestra and band musical highlights from throughout the year play in the background, underscoring the many talented students in the school.
No graduation is complete without official certification (from Board of Education chair and “proud parent of a graduating senior Candice Savin), and tassel-turning (by Carly Dwyer and Ben Howard).
After closing remarks from principal Thomas, the video ends with the recessional, over Ryan Felner’s drone footage from last Friday’s parade.
Principal Stafford Thomas.
A list of senior awards is shown. The final shot is 2020 class photo.
“Class” is right. This year’s seniors have shown uncommon maturity, grace and poise, in the face of unexpected adversity. The graduation video is a fitting reminder of a great group.
But don’t take my word for it. Click here, and see for yourself!
Emcee Sam Laskin.
Dan! Once again, you’ve knocked it out of the park. This video archive of this year’s highly unusual graduation ceremonies is truly remarkable. A thousand thanks for sharing it. Especially with us grads from the 60’s/70’s.
So proud of the Class of 2020! So proud of my graduating grandson, and his parents – both graduates of this fine school! Nice to see so many smiles, so much love, and such determination in the face of adversity met in the last leg of their journey…