Schools
The Alternative Center for Excellence “Drive In” Graduation
Twenty-one ACE students celebrate and give their individual speeches.
The Alternative Center for Excellence graduates 21 at “drive in” graduation ceremony.
Danbury, CT - June 12, 2020 – by Daniela Esposito
Twenty-one students, including four who received their diplomas earlier in the year, graduated from Danbury’s Alternative Center for Excellence on Friday, June 12, 2020.
In a year like no other, there are some rites of passage and achievements that deserve to be, and must be, celebrated. For the 21 students who finished their high school requirements at Danbury’s Alternative Center this year, graduation was a milestone not easily achieved. When plans for the traditional ceremony had to be canceled, teachers and staff, led by Principal John Webber went to work to create a drive-in ceremony in the school’s parking lot at 26 Locust Ave in Danbury.
Students, donned in Danbury High School’s traditional royal blue and white caps and gowns, also sported masks at this year’s graduation socially distanced graduation ceremony.
The school’s Social Worker, Dinilio Jiminez emceed the event which was live-streamed and recorded on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L74i5n6CVNM&t=672s.
He pointed out the positive aspects of experiencing graduation in this way and the possibility of including family and friends who could celebrate with the graduates, from afar. Jiminez challenged our graduates to see “not just endings and beginnings, but a chance for growth.” He also reminded the graduates that this was not a finish line, but encouraged all of the graduates to be lifelong learners.
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Principal Webber thanked the students, on behalf of the ACE Staff, for “allowing us all to be a part of their stories of resilience and strength.” Webber expressed optimism for the future of our graduates in this extraordinary time of change. Webber stated that our graduates give us hope and he challenged them to be agents of change. He stated, “We need you, Danbury needs you and a world that functions under the ideals of love and equity needs you.”
As is traditionally part of the ceremony, each graduate delivers a speech including their reflections, aspirations, and gratitude. Not a dry eye left the parking lot as students spoke about the struggles they overcame, their incredible resilience and fortitude and their hopes and dreams for their future lives.
Contact:
John Webber
webberj@danbury.k12.ct.us
