FAIRFIELD — Despite the challenges COVID 19 has presented, the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences held its second graduation of the 2019-20 school year on July 31.
The school already held a successful ceremony for its Threshold program on July 17, and the remaining seniors in the school’s campus program gathered to be honored at the second ceremoney, which was held outdoors adjacent to the building in Hinckley.
Newberg likened the “drive-in” quality of the gathering to scenes from one of his favorite childhood movies, “Grease.” Community being one of the school’s three values, he said, “With those present, this gathering could take place anywhere. A chapel, a gymnasium, or a parking lot. It is this community of people that matters.”
Four-year senior Colby Emery, of Fairfield, was the MeANS Class of 2020 student speaker. Emery acknowledged the unique circumstances in which he and his class were graduating, but mainly focused on his appreciation for the school.
“I’ve been at MeANS for all four years of my high school life,” Emery said. “In those four years I’ve met some incredible people and made some great memories that I’ll never forget.”
Dean of Students Danni Best followed with the presentation of awards, giving three for the school’s values of respect, responsibility and community, and an additional two for the Brenda Poulin Resilience Award. Recipients were Emery, Elaine Dodge, Adam Trask Boucher, Braxton Strain and Carissa Heaton.
Individual scholarships were also awarded, among them the annual Maine Community College System awards, as well as the Tom Tracy Memorial Award for Business Pursuits. Recipients were Skyler Chipman, Cierra Danforth Strickland, Emery, Maggie Harvey, Julia Judkins and Jeremiah Yanelli-Redlevske.
Graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas and get a photo taken. Best closed the ceremony with her signature saying, “You can be anything you want in the world, please be kind.”
Following the ceremony, families exited through a tunnel of teachers and staff, waving, cheering and applauding.
It was a beautiful summer evening. The teachers, students and families wore masks and adhered to social distancing guidelines. Regardless of the restrictions, the gathering was joyful and uplifting. The smiles truly shown through the face coverings.
