From: Greg Jones
Milroy
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended life in many ways. The routine of school life changed for students, teachers, administrators, and all of the families involved. There is a long history of graduation traditions that the class of 2020 will not experience. That is not to say there will be no memories for the class of 2020 and I was able watch a wonderful three days of experiences for the 2020 class of Columbus East.
I photographed each graduate in various combinations with all of their family members along with each student ringing the celebratory bell. As a result of that I was privileged to witness students begin the transformations to the next stage of their lives and the support groups that accompanied them. I saw tragedy nudged to the side by joy, love and support. I saw immigrants graduate in the country they proudly chose to live in. I saw the creativity and mechanical aptitude that is a Columbus strength and tradition on display. I saw teachers and staff encourage students to walk that were discouraged. In short I saw support that only a fully committed school can offer each of it’s students.
My hat is off to all of the students and staff members who brainstormed, planned, executed, and participated in the three day event. If ever there was the perfect example of taking lemons and making lemonade Columbus East made it happen for their grads. Who knows, maybe they were the first participants of a new tradition?
