UNIQUE COMMENCEMENT
Students graduate from Saratoga Central Catholic School
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » A group of 31 graduates from Saratoga Central Catholic School wore their caps, gowns, and masks on Friday for a socially distanced commencement ceremony.
The Class of 2020 was honored by their community with a graduation event modified to meet all health and safety guidelines pertaining to COVID-19.
St. Clements Church was arranged to accommodate all of the students and a few family members each, while other attendees watched the ceremony live-streamed on a large screen in a nearby school gymnasium. Meanwhile, hundreds of others viewed it via Facebook Live on the church’s page.
The students’ graduation, like the final months of their senior year, was a unique experience.
Though there was far less
“I sincerely believe this experience has strengthened you.” — Saratoga Central Catholic School Interim President Michael Kondratowicz
physical touching - no handshakes or hugs - event leaders made sure the graduates were aware of the tremendous support for the Saratoga Central Catholic School Class of 2020.
Earlier this year, the students unknowingly spent their last day in school together as classmates on Friday, March 13, then switched to a virtual learning platform along with students around the state and country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly four months later, they gathered again for graduation, having missed some major milestones such as their Senior Prom and Senior Retreat.
However, Interim President Michael Kondratowicz thinks this challenging situation has a bright side.
“I sincerely believe this experience has strengthened you,” he said to the graduates, encouraging them to use their gifts and talents to help others and improve society.
In her commencement address, theology teacher, Sister Sue Wieczynski, spoke about change and choices.
Wieczynski quoted Pope Francis, referring to a homily he gave at the Vatican in late March, during the start of the pandemic. “We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other,” she shared with the class.
Looking out at the students, she said, “You give me hope. Hope that this world will be a better place because you are in it as loving and caring people.”
Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany also had some kind words of advice for the graduates. “Take the time to pray,” he told them. “Give God time to get into your heart.”
A video of the Saratoga Central Catholic School 2020 Commencement Ceremony is available online at the “St. Clement’s Church; Saratoga Springs, NY” Facebook page.