Eighth Grade graduation has been a rite of passage for Saint Gilbert Junior High Students for 75 years. In that respect, 2020 was no different – there was a graduating class – but it would be a year unlike any other.
With the closure of the School in March to protect against the spread of COVID, it was clear many established Saint Gilbert graduation traditions would not take place – a Lake Michigan Cruise, the annual dinner-dance and awards ceremony, the May Crowning of Mary and the reenactment of the Passion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday.
Understanding the impact of these losses, the School was determined to honor the graduates in unique and special ways so they would know how much they would be missed and that this class will never be forgotten.
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Linking the Past and the Future
To show solidarity with the Class of 2020, SGS brought together alumni dating back 60 years, and asked each to record a special, personalized graduation message to one of the graduating students. Forty-four alumni participated in video that linked the school’s past with the future, reminding graduates that the vast Saint Gilbert family of graduates were praying for and thinking of them in this stunning year.
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But that was merely the appetizer for a special surprise. With social distancing requirements, a full graduation was not possible. However, with the help of some inventive “special effects” and a determined school staff, a graduation ceremony took place.
Given the students had to return to school in specified timeslots to return school books and computers, which provided social distancing, the school initially planned an outdoor graduation sign where the student and immediate family could take a picture together. However, everyone felt they could make something even more special.
Cardboard Never Looked so Good
Then, Mrs. Kleber, the school’s Director of IT, had an epiphany: Take pictures of Dr. Tornatore and Mrs. Buckley as one playacted shaking an imaginary student’s hand while the other pretended to hand out a diploma. She then sent the images to a vendor who made life-size cardboard cutouts.
But it didn’t stop there. She arranged cut-outs of the 8th Grade home room teachers, Mrs. Greffly and Mrs. Ziegler and the Parish priests, Fathers John and Christian.
The student, and up to 4 family members, had a 15 minute window to go to each cut-out station, take pictures and move to the next. As a final tribute, Dr. Tornatore suggested a virtual graduation where each family took a short video of their graduate receiving their diploma from their family. These were put together for a final montage
“It definitely was a team effort,” said Mrs. Buckley. “We were required to think creatively about what could be done with the restrictions that were in place. While we planned a July event with a mass and outdoor luncheon, we knew we wanted to do something on their actual graduation day.”
This unique sendoff garnered local attention, being featured on WGN TV News.
Founded in 1944, Saint Gilbert Catholic School is celebrating 75 years of providing value-based education for nearly. Saint Gilbert has been honored by the U.S. Department of Education for Academic Excellence and was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2017.
Interested in learning more? Come visit us on the web at www.stgilbertschool.org. or https://www.facebook.com/Saint-Gilbert-Catholic-School-126504574087725/. Arrange a virtual or in-person tour by calling 847-223-8600 or by emailing school.office@saintgilbertschool.org
