Members of the graduating class of 2021 sit in their socially-distanced chairs on the lower floor of the Great Hall of Westminster Central Hall during the commencement ceremony June 12.
After a year with distinctive challenges presented by the pandemic, the class of 2021 graduated June 12. Graduation’s format looked uncertain, but the administration ultimately decided the ceremony could go ahead as usual – in person at Central Hall Westminster. On the day, a number of now-graduates shared how they were feeling.
Anna Kim (’21) walks off the stage during the procession June 12. (Maarya Shafqat Adil)
“I’m excited, but I’m still waiting for it all to settle in. Like it still hasn’t hit me.” – Olivia Benjamin-MacDonald (’21)
Members of the Class of 2021 walk up the steps at Central Hall Westminster, ready to enter the Great Hall for the procession, kicking off the commencement ceremony June 12. (Maarya Shafqat Adil)
“It’s like a mixture of, you know, the normal excitement, but a little bit of just melancholy because this may be the last time we’re all in the same room together.” – Max Olsher (’21)
Solenne Jackson (’21), Co-Valedictorian for the Class of 2021, delivers her speech during graduation June 12. Jackson, Co-Valedictorians Mateo Farina (’21) and Ethan Otero (’21), and Salutatorian Mackensie Kim (’21) amalgamated their speeches into one they titled “A Class From Afar” to highlight the unique challenges faced this year. (Maarya Shafqat Adil)
“I’m really nervous, but I’m really happy because everyone’s coming together as one class.” – Eleanor Benton (’21)
Chris Ghantous (’21) holds up a peace sign with his fellow Grade 12 students as they wait to begin the graduation ceremony June 12. (Maarya Shafqat Adil)
“It’s exciting because obviously we’ve worked so hard and finally, you know, we’re graduating. But obviously I’m going to miss everyone. And within a month, there’s a lot of people here, it’s going to be hard to see them again.” – Karim ElKhazindar (’21)
Connor Eaton (’21) and Ingie ElKhazindar (’21) walk off the stage during the procession June 12. (Maarya Shafqat Adil)
