H-F graduation fly-by 2020-05-31 038_web
Local News

H-F High School officially graduates 650 in the Class of 2020

Since H-F High School seniors couldn’t experience a traditional graduation ceremony because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school adapted by creating a virtual ceremony and sending a special message presented by a plane flying over campus shortly before noon on Sunday, May 31. (Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle)

Since H-F High School seniors couldn’t experience a traditional graduation ceremony because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the school adapted by creating a virtual ceremony and sending a special message presented by a plane flying over campus shortly before noon on Sunday, May 31. (Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle)

The Homewood-Flossmoor High School Class of 2020 got its official send-off Sunday, May 31, by way of a virtual graduation ceremony.

Before the ceremony many people looked up and saw a plane flying overhead with a congratulations message soaring overhead.

The day was beautiful and would have been perfect for a the traditional ceremony on the football field, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic administrators and the District 233 school board opted to prepare a virtual graduation.

Each of the 650 seniors was recognized. Through individual videos, students in their red or white caps and gowns introduced themselves and moved the cap tassle from right to left indicating they were officially graduated. Photos appeared for those who did not submit video. The two hour program, moderated by H-F Principal Jerry Lee Anderson, was produced by media teacher Mark Ciesielski. 

The video, available through YouTube, opened with shots of school activities this past year appearing to the sound of the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” by Elgar, the music that would have been played had students marched onto the football field.

The H-F gym was staged for a graduation and the addresses and speeches were delivered as if an audience filling the seats was listening.

Addressing the Class of 2020 was Student Government Executive Board President Ania Staples, who reflected back to “12 years ago when we started this academic journey and learned the primary skills like the alphabet and how to write our name, and we also learned basic life lessons: be kind and have patience. Say please and thank you. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, and last but not least – wash your hands. Who knew these daily life lessons would serve as daily reminders to everyone around the world. Perhaps this is the time for all of us to go back to the basics and focus on what matters: appreciating family and perseverance and creating a better future.”

Senior Class President Abimbola Oyefeso told fellow graduates, “This pandemic is not the end of our narrative. It’s temporary. But our diplomas are permanent.” 

It was the 61st graduation for H-F and Oyefeso said it was “unlike any other, because never before in history has there been a virtual graduation.” Anderson told the audience she was  hopeful it would be “the only virtual graduation we will have.”

Members of the H-F Jazz Band performed and members of the Viking Choir sang.

Superintendent Von Mansfield introduced the Viking Scholars, the top 16 students in the class. Honorees, and the schools they will attend, are:

Margaret Bauer, Brown University; Louis Berman, The Ohio State University; Kevin Berner II, Illinois Institute of Technology; Ella Bohlman, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Brianna Bridges, Brown University; Kevin Cawley, Michigan State University; Amber Dowd, The Ohio State University.

Olivia Fortman, University of Iowa; Isaac Latman, Truman State University; Emily Pearce, Bradley University; Eric Piros, Boston University; Janellie Roach, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Tai Shonkwiler, University of Florida; Olivia Streitmatter, Kenyon College; Anna Thompson, University of Pennsylvania; Jack Williams, University of Pennsylvania.

The principal reminded graduates that “in this path of life, there will be disappointments and falls, but most importantly is that you stand back up; not only with a physical action, but with your attitude and with gratitude. Get back up, stand up every day. Use what you’ve learned to strengthen you, to be a better and more capable person. And when you get back up, be sure you reach back and bring someone with you. We are indeed stronger standing together.”

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