A Virtual Send-Off for the Form of 2020

Groton School celebrated the graduating Form of 2020 on May 31 with a virtual ceremony full of tradition as well as a few surprises.

 

While most of the event—from the opening invocation and bagpiper to speeches, prizes, and the headmaster's final "Go well!"—mirrored an on-campus Prize Day, a unique portion came during the awarding of diplomas. The school had sent the traditional boater hats worn on Prize Day to each of the eighty-four graduates around the world, asking them to submit videos of themselves as if they had just received their diplomas.

 

Creativity ruled! There were proud smiles and fields of flowers, along with graduate greetings from skateboards, a rowing machine, and a zipline. Several students jumped into pools and one waltzed into the ocean—fully clothed, boater and all. One carried two small dogs wearing their own tiny boaters, and several other pet dogs stood in for hand(paw)-shaking.

 

The Awarding of Prizes and Diplomas was broadcast at 10:30 a.m. (Eastern) on Sunday morning—a time chosen to accommodate various time zones. Speakers included Headmaster Temba Maqubela, Board of Trustees President Jonathan Klein P'08, '11, '18, and Lwazi Bululu ’20, the student speaker selected by his formmates. Former Headmaster Bill Polk '58 delivered the Graduate's Prayer.

 

“Delocalized as we are, we are an intimate and close-knit community, watching in the early morning on the West Coast, evening in Europe and Africa, and late night in Asia,” said Mr. Maqubela, acknowledging the unusual circumstances surrounding this year's graduation. The headmaster also honored the Sixth Form, awarded the many prizes typical of the day, and read the names of each graduate as their “acceptance” videos played.

 

Board of Trustees President Klein also spoke, urging the graduates to express gratitude and to remember the rare privilege of attending Groton School. "As you begin your adult lives beyond the Circle," he said, "remember that with this privilege comes great responsibility. Quite simply, just do good."

Lwazi, the student speaker, reminisced through his years at Groton, starting with Second Form, pointing out memorable moments that should not be lost amidst the admittedly difficult reality of an online graduation. “We’ve had a great journey. The end does not do it any justice, yet you should all still be incredibly proud of yourselves,” he told his formmates. “. . . I ask of you that you try to celebrate today like you would have if we were all together.”

 

Sunday’s ceremony capped a weekend of festivities, including a Baccalaureate service on Friday, which included the headmaster’s final chapel talk and a virtual choir performance, and a Saturday awards ceremony honoring athletes and prize winners in the Second through Fifth forms.

Watch the Awarding of Prizes and Diplomas, May 31.