Surprise graduation ceremony at Edward-Elmhurst COVID test site

Amelia Barone, a patient services representative with Edward-Elmhurst Health and mother of three, returned to school and earned her Associate’s degree in Human Services at the College of DuPage. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, her graduation ceremony this spring was canceled.

Barone, a resident of Montgomery, is currently working at the Edward-Elmhurst Health COVID-19 testing location in the parking lot of the Edward-Elmhurst Corporate Center in Warrenville. To honor Barone’s accomplishment, the rest of the COVID-19 testing crew hosted a graduation ceremony for her on Friday, April 10 after the last patient came through for testing that day.

Along with a graduation gown and replica of her diploma, the testing crew provided Barone with a graduation cap which was specially outfitted with a face mask and face shield.

Barone said she was surprised and a little embarrassed, but honored to be part of such a great team.