On May 29, The Georgetown School hosted its seventh commencement ceremony for our four seniors, faculty, and a few family members and friends. The atmosphere was different, with everyone seated separately in the rows of the Winyah Auditorium, masks covering their faces. But the same joy was there as we celebrated the crowning success of Margaret, Qulex, Camille, and Ryleigh.

Mr. Bonds gave the invocation and then Dr. Gates took the lectern to speak on the challenges that the notion of education is facing today. He affirmed that “our graduates know what a real education looks like.”

Then Margaret gave her salutation. She thanked the teachers and recalled fond memories with each of her classmates. “English is not my best subject,” she said, “But Dr. Simmons turned it into my favorite this past year.”

Ryleigh gave the valediction. She was here when the school began in 2013 and remembers helping to fix up classroom when it was about to open. “They put a paintbrush in my hand,” she said. “I was 11 years old.”

Dr. Gates certified the graduates and called the roll. He talked about each one individually and how their character and achievements had worked to make our school a better place. Instead of shaking Dr. Gates’ hand though, each graduate had to pick up his or her diploma from the table. There was applause and shouting at the end of the ceremony and the seniors headed outside with their families to the courtyard.

Once they were set up along the curb of the courtyard, a long parade of cars carrying TGS students and their families cranked up. One by one, the vehicles stopped to congratulate the Class of 2020. Many were decorated with signs and flags; kids shouted and the drivers blew their horns. It was a noisy and fun celebration of the achievements of the Class of 2020, which hopefully made up a little for the lost time together. “It was a very fun and supportive event,” said one parent, “But I hope we never have to do it again.”