By Margaret Damghani
The time-honored fanfare, cheers, pictures, handshakes and proud smiles were all present when Garner Magnet High School’s 2020 graduating class walked across the stage on June 9 for their diploma ceremony.
This year, however, the stage was outside, and family members took their photos and video from cars decorated with balloons, signs and words of encouragement. The procession began when graduates were dropped off at the back student entrance of the school, giving them a last opportunity to walk the hallways, have a professional photo taken and say goodbye to teachers inside, and ended with students getting their official diploma after walking across the stage set up outside of the main entrance of the school.
Celebrating in the time of COVID-19
It may be one of the most unique celebrations the school has seen since it graduated its first class in 1969. Despite the logistical difficulties brought about by the pandemic, the staff and PTSA at Garner Magnet High rose to the challenge of celebrating the 670 students in 2020’s class, not only with the socially distanced walk-across-the-stage, but also with other events spanning several days.
On June 6, the seniors socialized with one another outside, decorated their cars, and celebrated the end of the unusual school year with a parade sponsored by the Town of Garner and the PTSA. Mayor Ken Marshburn, who marshalled the parade, named June 6 as a day to honor and celebrate the Garner Magnet High School Class of 2020 who have “dutifully sacrificed the high points of their senior year for the safety of their community and state,” in an official town proclamation.
“I’m just really happy they were able to find a way to celebrate us. This is something none of us saw coming. I’m glad we were able to adapt and make it the best we could,” said Student Body President Andrew Wade, who will be attending Chapel Hill in the fall.
The seniors also celebrated at a Senior Breakfast on May 29, received a yard sign with their name and picture, and will keep the professional photo taken at the diploma ceremony for free. On June 10, a virtual graduation streamed online which included the graduation speeches and pomp and circumstance.
Traditions on pause but not Community Support
“I’m a big fan of tradition. Of course, it’s not what I would have wanted. But I think they are really getting a lot more than a normal student would get, in terms of graduation. It’s a lot more personal,” said Shalon Maxile, who has two daughters in the graduating class. Maxile is the Senior parent advisor on the PTSA, and said the community has supported the graduates through donations. “People have been absolutely fantastic.”
Several local businesses donated gifts the seniors received at their breakfast. Red Feather Designs donated a handmade wooden sign with each student’s name that will be displayed at the school. A tribute video was also made for the class by GMHS Alumni.
“It’s a shame that it’s ending the way it is because we didn’t get to say goodbye properly, but we will always be remembered,” said graduate Taleigha Chambers.
Donations to the senior class were made by parents of the Class of 2020, Garner Educational Foundation, GMHS PTSA, Hope Community Church, McDonalds, Chick-fil-a, Target, Lowes Foods, Menchies, Jersey Mike's and Beavers Family Dentistry.