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A Virtual Graduation

By Jasmine Sidhu, Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions, School Buzz Reporter | June 22, 2020

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Jasmine Sidhu graduated from St. Mark's Episcopal and is heading to high school at Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professions.

I was one of the 49 students who graduated middle school from St. Mark’s Episcopal School this year. In order to respect social distancing guidelines, our graduation was a virtual one. At first, I was disappointed at the inability to give my classmates and teachers a proper goodbye. Having attended St. Mark’s since I was 3 years old, the news of not having an in-person graduation ceremony was heartbreaking. However, I was happy that St. Mark’s decided to have a virtual graduation.

On May 21, we had a virtual graduation via Zoom. The computer was set up and all participants were ready. Students, parents, and siblings were welcomed via web to the ceremony.

During the ceremony, teachers delivered items to students’ doors. First, my math teacher, standing a safe distance away from me and wearing protective gear, delivered a bag with my diploma, rose and prayer book. I thanked her and my parents and I returned to the Zoom graduation ceremony in the living room and continued to listen to speeches delivered by students and the St. Mark’s administration.

Janet Mayr, Jasvinder Sidhu, Jasmine Sidhu,

St. Mark’s teacher, Ms. Janet Mayr, delivered Jasmine's diploma to her home during the STMES virtual graduation ceremony. Pictured are (from left) Jasmine's father, Jasvinder, with Jasmine Sidhu and Ms. Mayr.

The faculty encouraged us by stating that we had climbed the St. Mark’s mountain and we are well prepared to climb the high school mountain and many more after that.

As the ceremony continued, teachers began delivering recipients their awards live. We rejoiced via Zoom as emotional cheers of happiness and pride could be heard from supportive family members and friends. Then, the head of middle school recognized every graduate individually as parents handed them their diploma and students presented their parents with a rose, symbolic of their love and support.

Finally, a closing prayer was given and the virtual graduation ended with an uplifting video of all the graduates wearing their high school gear. It was a fantastic way to end the year!