Dressed in their caps and gowns, members of Irvington High School’s Class of 2020 received their diplomas during a special drive-through celebration on June 20.
Along the procession route, which began at the Riverfront parking lot, the students and their families were escorted by police cars with flashing lights and sirens. They drove up the festively decorated Main Street and Broadway before traveling up Heritage Hill Road, which had been lined with a gallery of personalized lawn signs honoring each senior. Having decorated their vehicles with balloons and signs, the students waved and smiled at spectators along the route.
Once at the high school campus, they were greeted by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kristopher Harrison and Principal Juliet Gevargis-Mizimakoski, who handed out the diplomas and posed for photographs with each student. One by one, and after years of hard work and dedication, the students took hold of their diplomas and drove off as Irvington High School alumni.
Following the event, Irvington High School released a graduation video that included highlights from the car parade, prerecorded speeches and a slideshow with each graduate’s picture. In the video, students heard from Board of Education President Brian Friedman, class president Katie Spencer, class valedictorian Sarah Garcia and class salutatorian Zoe Jacobs, as well as from their principal and superintendent.
In her remarks, Gevargis-Mizimakoski spoke about the students’ strength, resilience and unity. She thanked them for welcoming her as a member of the team and making her first day as principal special.
In her valedictory address, Garcia reflected on her classmates’ outstanding achievements and expressed her gratitude toward all of the teachers, coaches, counselors and staff who have impacted their lives over the years. She also urged her fellow graduates to make their voices heard and take responsibility for transcending not only the long-lasting ramifications of the pandemic but the many previously ignored problems in our nation.
“Together, we will work for a more just society,” she said. “One where the promises nominally made to all are actually granted to all. The job ahead may be daunting, but I am confident that a class that has already shown such fortitude is up to the task.”
In her salutatory address, Jacobs spoke about how unique the Class of 2020 is – their births being marked by 9/11, and having witnessed multiple terrorist attacks, countless school shootings, the Great Recession of 2008, political and social divisions and social unrest over racial inequality.
“While we were born into a time of fear and uncertainty, it was also a time of unity and strength,” she said. “It should be no surprise that we are graduating in a similar environment, during a worldwide pandemic.”
In his remarks, Dr. Harrison encouraged the students to be brave, act boldly, and demonstrate selfless acts of kindness and courage to promote social justice and equity.
To further celebrate its graduates, Irvington High School will host an in-person, student-only graduation event at Meszaros Field on June 27. It is designed to be a brief, safe and personal celebration for the Class of 2020 and allow students to share the special moment together.