Graduation 2022–the Same, but Different
BY ABBY DUNN ‘25
On June 10th, the entire upper school community will gather on the quad for the first normal Milton graduation since 2019. According to Mr. Ball, the administration does not anticipate making any pandemic related changes to the ceremony. Unlike last year’s graduation, there will be no limit on numbers–Mr. Ball emphasized that “all are welcome.” Additionally, he explained that the structure of the ceremony will be “quite familiar,” featuring two valedictorians, a guest speaker, and a randomly ordered distribution of diplomas. Last year’s graduation ceremony saw the addition of video screens, which will be present at this year’s ceremony as well; the ceremony will also be livestreamed for anyone who cannot attend in person.
While the ceremony itself will be like every other Milton graduation prior to the pandemic, this year’s graduating class is certainly unique. As Anna Cressman (I) explained, “nothing about [the class of 2022’s] Milton trajectory has been ‘normal.’” In a normal year, most graduating seniors would have experienced three typical Milton graduations and would know what to expect for their own. This year, however, graduating seniors who started at Milton during their sophomore or junior years have never seen a normal Milton graduation. Rhea Anand (I) is one of those seniors. While Rhea attended last year’s graduation, she thinks having a larger turnout at her own graduation will certainly make the ceremony feel different. Despite not completely knowing what to expect at graduation, Rhea thinks the fact that her first “‘real’ Milton graduation will be [her] own grade’s” will make the ceremony “all the more meaningful.”
Forming connections through Zoom and socially distanced gatherings, this year’s graduating class has faced pandemic restrictions throughout the bulk of their high school career. Regardless, Anna explained that “being forced to spend so much time apart gave [the senior class] a greater appreciation for being together.” Anna said her class made “a conscious effort to regain a sense of community” in their own class and the larger Milton community, feeling a sense of “responsibility to carry certain Milton traditions and norms through COVID.” Rhea agrees, saying that enduring “incredibly trying” times and still making it to graduation together “speaks volumes about how close [her] class [has] become.”
Ms. RK, Class I Dean, shared Anna’s and Rhea’s sentiments, saying that “despite the setbacks,” the senior class has consistently managed to “lead and provide support and care for the school.” Ms. RK elaborated that the graduating class “cares deeply about each other” since they are the “only ones who truly understand” the unique challenges of their class’s high school experience.
The last time Anna experienced a typical Milton graduation was her freshman year. She says it feels “surreal” that she was a freshman at the last normal graduation and now she will be “walking across that stage in a couple weeks,” because she always expected to see four, not two, typical Milton graduations. “It feels fitting,” Anna said, “to end our Milton experience the same way we started it,” with a normal Milton graduation. Ms. RK agreed with Anna, saying things finally feel like they “should be.” The Class of 2022 will get a normal end to an atypical high school experience and a chance to be recognized for the hope and positivity with which they have led the Milton community.