Face Masks, School Spirit At Fairfield Warde Graduation: Photos

FAIRFIELD, CT — In many ways, the class of 2020’s graduation from Fairfield Warde High School was like those of years past. But the evening was also punctuated by reminders of the extraordinary circumstances created by the coronavirus pandemic.

The school had a drive-in graduation Wednesday in the Jennings Beach parking lot, with graduates crossing the stage while families watched from their cars.

Headmaster Paul Cavanna began the evening by reminding those in attendance to remain in their vehicles, and many of the graduates wore face masks as they waited for their names to be called. Warde a capella singers performed at the event, but the group’s rendition of “See You Again” took the form of a pre-recorded teleconference-style video, rather than a live version.

“We are navigating the largest pandemic of our lifetime,” said class speaker Cole Pedro, who also referenced the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, which sparked nationwide protests against racism and police brutality.

Pedro told her classmates that she cried when she heard Fairfield schools were switching to remote learning in March as a precaution against the pandemic, which has been associated with over 4,200 Connecticut deaths in about three months.

“Deep down, I knew we wouldn’t be going back,” she said.

In addition to taking students out of the classroom for the duration of the school year, the outbreak resulted in the cancellation of prom, spring sports and other activities.

Graduation, however, was held despite the virus, with vehicles decorated to celebrate the senior class and cars spaced out — one vehicle in every other parking spot — in an effort to prevent virus transmission.

After Pedro’s address, Salutatorian Sophie Lipset and Valedictorian Hannah Ulman spoke. Julian Boran gave the welcome. Well over 300 graduates walked the stage.

As the event drew to a close, a video tribute to the class of 2020 played, and the graduates made a final recitation of the “Warde Way,” which is to be, “welcoming, academic, respectful, dynamic and ethical.”

“We made it all the way,” Pedro said. “And now it’s time to say goodbye.”