Our school year ended on June 11th; it was bittersweet because we could not have our Graduation / End of the Year Celebration. Our annual celebration is usually a day we show off all the hard work our staff and students do through the year – artwork, science projects, and student writings.

COVID-19 made it impossible for us to have the big celebration, but we needed to find a way to celebrate this unusual year. We kicked around a few ideas, but we agreed we needed to see our kids, so we decided on a Drive Thru Diploma pickup.

One at a time, our graduates drove through the car drive up lane to the cheers of our staff and Board Members, pomp and circumstance playing, and Ms. Hall announcing their name. The graduates dressed in Caps, Gowns and face masks got out of the car and were presented with their diploma while I cried telling them how proud I am of them. Yes, I hugged them and took pictures standing closer than 6ft, but it was worth the risk to let them know I believe in them and will be here in the future if they need me.

Our students completed all the state requirements for their diploma but more importantly they leave us understanding how they learn, confident they can succeed and knowing we are here if they need anything, including a hug.

Good Luck to all the 2020 Graduates.

Sincerely,

Carol Seiger-Wolf, Michele Hewitt-Webster and the entire MileStone Academy Staff