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May 23, 2020By Tanya Connor | The Catholic Free Press
FITCHBURG - Parked part way around the football field, they waited by their vehicles, some of which they’d decorated with pictures, signs, balloons and/or streamers.
Then, one by one at first, the guests of honor passed by, some of them also in decorated vehicles.
It was a drive-by recognition for graduates of St. Bernard Central Catholic High School, held Friday at the Bernardian Bowl. Even the fence bordering the field was decorated - with school signs, hearts and styrofoam cups spelling out “2020 Seniors.”
Graduates’ names, activities at St. Bernard’s, chosen college etc. were announced as the vehicles bearing them circled the field, sometimes to waves and cheers from family members, friends and school staff parked alongside the track.Then graduates’ vehicles formed a parade, as the students retraced their path as a class. They went by more times than the couple go-rounds planned, seeming reluctant to stop.
And spring athletes who missed their seasons because of coronavirus restrictions had their brief moment in the sunlight, posing for photos on the field by their season numbers with their families and coaches.
“I really wanted to hug everybody” - but refrained - Laura Rainville, mother of members of St. Bernard’s Classes of 2018 and 2023, said afterwards. “This was fun.”
Bailey Accardi, of the Class of 2020, called the event bittersweet.
“I love how they put this on, but at the same time it makes me sad” during this time, she said.
Some of her classmates seemed more excited, and talked about benefits they experienced through this unusual year.
“It’s special, because not a lot of schools” are doing something like this, Lois Dartey said of the drive-by recognition.
As the last class before the diocesan school becomes a private one, “I feel like we all got closer this year,” she said.
Kyra Graustein added that they had first endured the scare that the school might be closed altogether and they would have to go to new schools.
Then came the coronavirus, which led to school buildings being closed and students working virtually from home. Briana Normandin said she thought the quarantine made them realize that they missed each other.
“You wouldn’t hear us saying we liked school and we missed school” until unable to go, she said.
Linda D. Anderson, principal, also shared thoughts about Friday’s celebration and the students it honored.
“It was great,” she said. “We would have preferred to have a proper graduation at this time, but … we filled this place with a lot of love.”
(Bishop McManus had celebrated a Mass for them, which included a brief commencement ceremony, May 19 at St. Paul Cathedral. The class couldn’t attend because of coronavirus restrictions, but could watch it live online or on television.)
Asked how she thought the seniors reacted to the drive-by, Mrs. Anderson said, “I could see their faces coming around - they looked excited.
“They deserve their moment. We plan to give it to them in late July” with an in-person graduation.
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