The lemonade stand

Metaphorical l lemons rained on the world during 2020 disrupting all aspects of normality. Lock downs separated us from one another. For fear of spreading Covid people were unable to gather and celebrate weddings or mourn at funerals, times of sharing that double joy and halve sorrow. Traditional graduations were another casualty of Covid.

A specially built stage in front of a video screen at the Goochland Drive In

But wait! Goochland’s ingenious school division made lemonade from those lemons and found a way to hold high school graduation so proud families could see their graduates walk across the stage and receive diplomas while safely separated.

On the evening of June 16, the Goochland Drive In Theater hosted graduation in the age of Covid, outdoors in the rain. Though reimagined, the ceremony included many traditional elements including, Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance; speeches by the valedictorian and salutatorian; and the walk across the stage after each student received their diploma.

Intrepid school leaders Dr. Jeremy Raley Superintendent of Schools, School Board Chair John Wright, District 5, GHS Principal Dr. Chris Collier, and Dr. Beth Fowler stood masked in academic regalia, sometimes in pouring rain, to celebrate—via touchless congratulations—each member of the class of 2020 as they collected diplomas from a table sprayed with disinfectant between graduates and posed for photos.

During brief remarks at the start—all speeches were prerecorded in the GHS auditorium—Raley encouraged the class to see challenges as opportunities to make a positive difference in the world. Wright observed that the high school degree is an investment in the future and a ticket to the good life. He hoped they would put their “tickets” to good use to do old things in new ways and do things never believed possible. Collier acknowledged the faculty and staff whose skill and commitment to excellence guided the class to graduation. The audience beeped horns and flashed headlights as an alternative to applause.

Collier recognized the academic leaders of the class and introduced the Valedictorian Coleman Boatwright and Salutatorian James De Loach Their remarks were thoughtful and reflective.  Both thanked those that helped them along the way and encouraged classmates to remember the lessons learned inside and outside the classroom as they move on to the next phase of life.

Goochland alum Justin Verlander, waiting to see if their will be a major league baseball season this year, congratulated the Class of 2020 via video, wishing them all the best in our crazy world.

The entire event can be viewed on the Goochland County Public School Facebook page.

Congratulations to the GHS Class of 2020. They will never forget their unique graduation. Thanks to all who made this celebration of 13 years of schooling happen. Maybe it will start a new tradition.