A UNIQUE CELEBRATION

Yesterday, my New Jersey grandson graduated from high school, but because of the COVID-19 situation, it was a very different graduation from those in years past.

There were two parts to this unique celebration. A virtual pre-recorded commencement ceremony, which included a presentation of graduates--each one's picture projected on the screen as their name was called out--and a live drive-thru, for grads to be able to pick up their diplomas with at least a small modicum of fanfare.


The Drive-Thru event:  Unfortunately, the recording equipment for the drive-thru overheated, and about a third of the way through, the Livestream froze. That was disappointing for us distance viewers, but my daughter-in-law captured a short video clip of my grandson's walk from inside her SUV.




From what I could piece together, it went something like this. Vehicles lined up in front of the school, and as each one got to the door, the graduate--wearing cap, gown, and mask--got out, and to the accompaniment of a recorded Pomp and Circumstance playing in the background, and honking horns and cheers coming from the cars, walked across a short red carpet to shake the hand of the person handing out the diplomas.

















The virtual commencement: Whoever put it together did a super job. Much thought must have gone into what should be included and how, and truth be told, it was one of the most enjoyable high school graduations I've ever attended--in person or virtually.











The speeches were short, Scriptures were quoted, and it made my heart happy to see God glorified and at the center of it all.

In particular, I was inspired by the valedictorian, a humble girl with a sweet smile, who spoke of her struggles and trials, and how her belief that God had a plan for her life was what had kept her grounded throughout. She concluded by encouraging her classmates with words from her life verse, Mark 10:27--"All things are possible with God."

I was also touched by the words of blessing campus minister Sister Cindy prayed over the young grads, exhorting them to always remember that God knows each of them by name, that He has a special plan for their life, and that with God all things are possible.

The Class of 2020 may have missed out on some special milestone events such as senior prom and a regular graduation ceremony, but one day, down the road, they will have a unique tale to tell about the year of their drive-thru graduation.

P.S. I was able to get a couple of nice screenshots of my grandson, of who I am very proud.