Due to social distancing guidelines, the layout of where the grads and parents would be was a little different, but the school still found ways to “make it very personal for the graduates and their families."
Photo Courtesy of Laura Jayne Gardner Photography.
(Madison, Ind.) – After months of planning by the staff and administration, on how to host graduation that followed the state social distancing guidelines, the Shawe Memorial Class of 2020 finally got their day.
With support from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and the local health department, the Class of 2020 was able to celebrate a big accomplishment with a small group of family and friends.
Due to social distancing guidelines, the layout of where the grads and parents would be was a little different, but the school still found ways to “make it very personal for the graduates and their families."
Students, staff, and family members listened as both the Salutatorian Ambar Materano, who gave a speech concentration on the importance of the small Shawe family in which she has been part of for the last four years.
“This is an exceptional group with great motivation, talents, and ambitions which will undoubtedly make us succeed in our lives,” Materano said. “We will always be able to get up and move forward in the face of any obstacle.”
When it comes to obstacles, the Class of 2020 had a major one thrown in their paths this year when the coronavirus pandemic shut down schools at the beginning of March. School President said it best saying, “if you can get through the Pandemic during your senior year then you can face any of the challenges that life throws your way.”
Valedictorian Nate Pawlak also mentioned the obstacles in life saying, “mistakes we commit in life hold more value than any of our successes. Within them is invaluable wisdom that should be used when we face new challenges and obstacles in life.”
After speeches, Class President, Ethan Stuart, lead the class in the turning of their tassel, and then the graduates received a big surprise.
Principal Gardner announced to the graduates that an anonymous alumni group that was offering scholarships to a “few” of the students from the class as a sign of support.
Mr. Gardner said, “I would like each graduate to remove the envelope that is currently taped under your seat. I want you to open that envelope very carefully ... Then IF you find a thousand dollar check in your envelope, you are a winner and one of the ‘Fortunate Few’ and I want you to stand and remain standing ... so that your family and friends can see your good fortune. “
The class went to grab the envelopes and one by one started to stand, realizing then that the entire Shawe Class of 2020, received a $1,000 scholarship from the anonymous group.
In closing, Mr. Gardner said, “In the future find ways to bring this same happiness to others. Be charitable.”
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