Although the school year ended for seniors quite differently than anyone expected, we’ve worked hard to send our seniors off with the celebration and fanfare they deserve! Their school year, and time as MICDS students, ended with their last class on Thursday, April 30. That doesn’t mean we are finished celebrating them, though!
We started with Senior Spotlights on our social media channels. Each senior who chose to participate received their own post with their favorite senior photo, their college and major (if known), and their answers to a few questions. Seniors shared their favorite MICDS memories, what they’ll miss and the top lessons they’ve learned.
If you’ve driven by campus, you’ve seen the giant banner hanging on Olson Hall, congratulating our seniors. Head of School Mr. Jay Rainey reports seeing a few students popping by here and there to get their photos taken with the banner, practicing good social distancing, of course!
Our talented seniors in choir came together one last time to treat us all to one of their Spring Pops numbers, High Hopes by Panic! At the Disco. They took the time to record their individual parts at home and upload them so MICDS Multi-Media Specialist Mr. Glen Williams could compile them to create an inspirational video. Their virtual ensemble performance is outstanding, and we are so grateful for their talent and for Upper School Choir Director Mr. Dana Self’s leadership.
On Wednesday, our seniors had their last advisory, which they turned into a virtual College Day celebration. Each student wore their college duds or held up signs for advisory pictures, Zoom-style. We’re already looking forward to seeing the great things you’ll do at your colleges and universities!
Thursday brought gorgeous weather for our seniors’ last day of school. They rounded out their day with a virtual visit with Mr. Scott Small, Head of the Upper School, who thanked them for their leadership and example over the past four years, and for their grace and resilience over the past few months. He told them that the world clearly needs them and that they are poised to do brave and remarkable things. Small then presented a special video that attempted to recreate an MICDS senior tradition: the last walk-through on campus. Since our seniors couldn’t walk through together, we took a GoPro video camera through for them, and then added in some special memories from the year. The video also had special messages for the Class of 2020 from some of their teachers.
After they were dismissed, MICDS provided a to-go lunch available for pick-up. Senior Class Dean Ms. Nicole Trueman-Shaw put in a special request for their favorite: toasted ravioli! Parents drove their seniors to campus, where they were cheered and celebrated by the faculty and staff who have taught, cared for and supported them these past years. Security set up cones to ensure proper social distancing and families drove their “parade route” on the way to pick up their lunches.
Check out our highlight video, and our photo gallery below!
The celebration continued when MICDS faculty and staff delivered yard signs, a class photo and a gift from the Alumni and Development Department to each senior’s home.
Mr. Rainey also took time this week to record a special message for our seniors. He’s developed a special bond with the Class of 2020, his first seniors at MICDS.
Congratulations, Class of 2020. You’ll be remembered for so many things, and we will forever be grateful for your contributions to our School community.