Despite all the uncertainty of the last few months for the Senior Class of 2020 at Brewster High School what with the school year being shortened, having been quarantined, then denied their prom and other traditional High School Senior events, there was no uncertainty in the faces of the Brewster High School Class of 2020 last night. The graduates were all smiles, as were their families and friends, as they gathered in the Highlands (Kohl’s) Shopping Center early last evening in preparation for the parade from the shopping center to the School.
Organized by the District in the last few weeks after NY State gave the go ahead for High School Graduations, the District Administrators and staff did an excellent job co-ordinating with local Authorities to make this a grand event and one the Class of 2020 (or the community) won’t soon forget.
Hundreds of cars and almost as many spectators lined Route 312 and Farm to Market Road while the Graduates paraded along the route by their families, friends or even by themselves. The Southeast/Brewster Community turned out in force to cheer them on, offer congratulations and wish them well in the future.
The enthusiasm of the community along the parade route was astounding, one local Dj set up at the intersection of Route 312 and North Brewster Road and blared "Pomp and Circumstance", the traditional commencement march, from his speakers during the entire parade, much to the graduates and spectators delight. Several spectators commented on how great an idea this event was to boost not only the kids morale but community morale as well.
After the line of almost 300 cars arrived the school, graduates were treated to virtual Graduation Ceremony. The district had taken pictures of each graduate walking across the stage to receive their diplomas in the last 2 weeks and compiled a video to simulate a traditional school graduation. High School Principal Nichole Horler and District Superintendent Dr. Laurie Bandlow addressed the graduates which was broadcast on a local FM radio frequency so the students and their families could listen in the comfort of their cars and maintain social distancing. The schools Top Ten Students were also recognized and were given the honor of leading the parade down Route 312 with the Brewster Fire Department along with a Putnam County Sheriffs's Office Motorcycle escort.
THE BREWSTER HIGH SCHOOL TOP TEN FOR 2020: (AS PROVIDED BY BHS)
1. Andrew DiFabbio Cornell University
2. Meaghan Feehan Boston College
3. Camden DiCarlo Colgate University
4. Katerine Howell Rochester Institute of Technology
5. Daniel Buonadonna University of Florida
6. Aaron Lurin University of Texas, Austin
7. Supriya Sharma University of California, Berkeley
8. Robert Frankenberry Northeastern University
9. Samantha Kim University of Washington
10. Eliza Pattie SUNY New Paltz
Afterwards Virtual Graduation Presentation, the students were given a fireworks show as a final send off and tribute for their perseverance and determination to make the best of a confusing final year.
Brewster HamletHub has posted a photo album of the evenings activities on our Facebook Page.