School District of the Chathams Spotlight:

Contributed by the School District of the Chathams

Although the 2020 school year ended with empty hallways, classrooms and buildings, the School District of the Chathams marked the end of this historical year with a combination of virtual and live recognition ceremonies. Virtual recognition events were held for 3rd and 8th graders, while 5th graders celebrated moving on to Chatham Middle School with photos in front of a Card My Yard sign donated by the Lafayette School Parent Teacher Organization.

Chatham High School held traditional recognition events such as the Senior Awards, National and World Language Honor Society ceremonies virtually. Non-traditional events were also incorporated this year. The Chatham High School Visual Arts Department curated a Virtual Art Show featuring work from students in both Advanced Placement and elective classes to bring a museum-like experience to the community. The Chatham Education Association put a twist on the traditional Senior “Clap Out” for the Class of 2020, sponsoring a car parade that brought teachers, students and their families back to school grounds for a celebration of the road ahead.

On July 8, students lined up in caps, gowns and masks at Cougar Field to participate in what had just weeks and even the morning of, seemed impossible--a live graduation ceremony.

Salutatorian Veronica Quidore instantly restored a sense of normalcy as she led the Pledge of Allegiance. With her speech themed, “Once Upon a Time,” Valedictorian Katherine Wang took graduates on a journey into their past educational experiences to highlight how these have positioned them to embrace what lies ahead “with better eyesight into our communities and souls, with better hearing to understand the nuances between cultures and individuals, with better voices to advocate for what is right.” Dr. LaSusa encouraged students to be grateful and shared his belief that turmoil, struggle and adversity lead to something better. In his words: “I am optimistic we will all emerge better largely because of the contributions of this class.” Seniors recognized Laura Scerbo with the 2020 Teacher of the Year award.

As 2020 graduates begin the next phase of their educational journeys, teachers and students of the School District of the Chathams are preparing to reenter the hallways and buildings for live and hybrid instruction. Future graduates are certain to reflect on what school looked like “Once Upon a Time.”