With traditional graduation ceremonies not possible because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Academy of Our Lady of Guam organized a creative way to celebrate their seniors.
Graduations mark a transition in life … a passage from adolescence to adulthood.
Dressed in shiny white caps and gowns, graduates from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam stepped out of their vehicles to receive their diploma and turn their tassel as part of a drive-thru photo opportunity the school held for their senior class.
This event was emotional for many of the graduates’ parents, who cheered and took photos as their daughters received their diploma.
The photo opportunity started yesterday and ended today to allow adequate time for each of the school’s 67 graduates to be recognized.
AOLG President Sister Angela Perez says that this occasion was not a graduation ceremony, but the first part of a series of events to honor the school’s Class of 2020 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We want to hopefully gather them as a group because on March 16th, when everything shut down, they haven’t been together. We look forward to that when restrictions will be lifted that we’ll be able to gather and celebrate as a group. But right now, we’re trying to capture the moment and celebrate with them,” Sr. Perez said.
Riennel Aquino, an AOLG graduate, says that she liked the intimacy of the small event and that she will miss her time at the Academy.
“I’ve made a lot of friends here at the Academy and even the teachers. The relationship with the teachers is just a whole other level and you can’t get that with a big class. I really enjoyed my time here at the Academy,” Aquino said.
She also congratulated the other members of the Class of 2020.
“I just want to congratulate everyone else who graduated – the Class of 2020. I’m sure you guys will do great things in the future and just keep your head up during this pandemic and stay safe!” Aquino said.
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