Woodlands Academy plans ‘new norm’ senior class celebrations

With input from seniors and their parents, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart administrators are planning events to celebrate members of the Class of 2020 virtually for now, but hopefully including an in-person graduation ceremony this summer shaped by COVID-19 precautions at the time.

“Though this is not the conclusion I imagined when I first met each one of the members of this talented, energetic and memorable class, it does nothing to detract from the immense amount of pride I feel at each of her accomplishments nor for the excitement I feel to watch her discover her amazing next steps,” Associate Head for Academics and School Life Christine Schmidt said. “We are grateful that the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education recently issued updated joint guidance for schools regarding commencement. Adhering to these guidelines, we have created a myriad of year end celebrations.”

Events will include a virtual prayer service and annual honors recognition on June 10 and a community-wide virtual senior celebration on June 11, the originally scheduled graduation date. There also will be opportunities for seniors and their parents to visit Woodlands Academy to have photos taken in cap and gown, pick up honors awards, and special surprises on both days. These visits to the all-girls high school campus in Lake Forest will be carefully orchestrated and adhere to all appropriate social distancing guidelines.

On August 6, The Woodlands Academy community hopefully will gather for an in- person graduation ceremony – subject, of course, to any COVID-19 guidelines that may be in effect.

Looking further ahead: At the end of the 2020-21 school year, the Woodlands community will plan a one-year reunion for this year’s seniors. Input from members of the Class of 2020 will be an important part of the process.

More information, including dates, times and details about Woodlands Academy’s upcoming senior celebrations may be found at: https://www.woodlandsacademy.org/classof2020.

###

Founded in 1858, Woodlands Academy is an independent Catholic college preparatory day and boarding high school for young women. It’s part of a worldwide network of Sacred Heart Schools that spans the United States and 40 other countries. A nonprofit, Woodlands Academy’s identity is rooted in Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s desire to inspire young hearts and minds to excel, to lead lives of integrity and to serve. For more information about Woodlands Academy, please visit www.woodlandsacademy.org