The "Finally...My Granddaughter Graduates!" Story

Foreword:  Today's story is one that I have waited my entire life to write.  It tells the story of the graduation of my first grandchild, Courtney Ann Mencarini.  I wasn't sure it would happen due to COVID-19, but I was finally able to witness the graduation, though it wasn't the normal graduation that you might expect.  The photos I have included were taken from a computer screen and are not the best, but at least they show images that I can actually see.  I really was hoping to see it in person, but I realize this is the best that will happen under the circumstances. 

It was an ordinary day.  June 10, 2020 and my daughter had just forwarded an email from Urbana High School with the subject line of: The Class of 2020 Graduates in 24 Hours.  On June 11 at 2:00 pm our granddaughter Courtney officially graduate for all to see.  The online broadcast was to be on a link marked education.fcps.org/uhs/.  We were advised to log-in at 1:45 pm to allow time to trouble shoot any technical issues or to be sure to see the ceremony as it begins.  I was sitting at my 21" desktop iMac while my wife had her iPad on her lap.  

Priincipal Mr. David Kehne

"There they are," she shouted to me.  "Can you see it on your screen?"  "I got it," I yelled back to her.  First started with the Urbana logo and then the Principal of the School, Mr. David Kehne spoke to the graduating seniors as well as all watching.  

The Urbana High School Choir

After his talk, a video of the choir was shown as they sang a few numbers for the class.   Zoe Assassie of the Class of 2020 was chosen to speak to her classmates.  She did a great job under the circumstances.  

School Board President Mr. Brad Young

The School Board President then addressed the graduates before a shot of each student appeared on the screen with music in the background.  

Zoe Assassie

The class had 424 students and my cat, The Gray Lady, was extremely interested in the screen by now, so I missed a few of the class of 2020.  Then a shot of Courtney filled my screen.  

Courtney Ann Mencarini

So proud of her when I saw her senior photo appear in front of me.  After all the seniors appeared, the choir sang "Like A Hawk" which is the mascot of the school.  

To finish the event, another photograph of each person, most showing them holding their diploma, was projected on the screen.  That was the end of the program.  Even thought it wasn't the traditional graduation program, I still had a chance to see some of her friends and see her on the screen in her graduation gown.  

Courtney's senior photograph.

I know it wasn't what Courtney had in mind at the beginning of the year, but she can be proud of what she has accomplished in her life so far and will most certainly remember the graduation of the Class of 2020.  Next for me...the graduation of Courtney's sister Camille in 2022 and then my grandson Caden in 2023.  Here's hoping they are more traditional ceremonies.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

The Gray Lady enjoying the graduation program with me.