A different type of graduation

Holy Family held its 2020 eighth-grade graduation in the parking lot May 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each graduate received a gift bag, cupcakes, and other gifts and stood beside a poster with his or her name on it for photos. As each student walked off the "stage" after receiving a diploma, all drivers honked their car horns in approval. The program front was designed with an emoji with a happy face wearing a mask and mortar board. Faculty and staff stood with their signs of personal congratulations to graduates at the social distance of six feet and wore their face masks, as did students in their blue gowns and parents and family in cars. Mayor Kelvin Buck led the procession. First honors went to Quentin Salters and second honors to Janiya Woods. Certificates were presented by principal Tunia Sangster. The class was composed of Salters, Woods, O'riah Hampton, Erica McNeal, Ivy Naybors, Parris Pearson, Brandon Rhodes, Martez Robinson, Ayana Scott and Cameron Walton. The HolyFamily graduates have chosen various high schools in the region to attend next year.