On Wednesday morning, staff from Bradford District High School (BDHS) made stops all over town, delivering signs and caps to its 2020 graduating class.
With COVID-19 putting a wedge in everyone's plans, including Grade 12 students' prom and graduation ceremonies, the staff at BDHS wanted to celebrate and recognize their graduates' achievements and successes in some way, while still respecting social distancing guidelines.
"We wanted to do something because they were missing their actual ceremony," said guidance counsellor and grad committee member, Jennifer Brake.
The school has 250 graduates this year, and the committee had customized lawn signs made for each one, which were made available for pickup at the locker clean-out at the school last week. Graduates also received their customary graduation cap with tassle, as well as a personalized letter.
There were 65 students who were not able to pickup their grad packages last week, so Brake decided to organize a special drop-off with 15 staff volunteers.
"It's an important time," said BDHS teacher Tracy Brownlee, who was out on Wednesday morning making deliveries alongside her daughter, London.
"It's a good opportunity to celebrate the grads especially because they've missed all their milestones," said BDHS teacher Holly Reynolds, another volunteer out on Wednesday. "I am sure it will be nice to celebrate them and give them the opportunity to enjoy their success."
"I think it's a great opportunity for them to pat themselves on the back," she said.
The volunteers spent the morning knocking on the grads' doors to deliver their packages and give their well wishes on behalf of the school.
"The staff at BDHS want students to know that we are so proud of them," said Brake. "We are disappointed too; the staff like watching them cross the stage and celebrating with them. This year of all years, they should know that their graduation is a huge accomplishment and one that they should be very proud of."
