Head Master Steve Murray Announces Virtual Celebrations for Class of 2020
Head Master Steve Murray has announced that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the School’s Fifth Form end-of-year celebrations will be held virtually.
He noted that the virtual celebrations “while not what any among us would want, will seek to honor the achievements and embody the spirit of this remarkable graduating class. . . . no matter how closely we try to emulate the real Fifth Form ceremonies, even the most sophisticated virtual events cannot replace live ones. Even as we implement the plans for a virtual pinning ceremony, awarding of Fifth Form prizes, Aurelian and Baccalaureate speeches, and the Conferring of Diplomas, we are thinking about ways we can celebrate with [the Class of 2020] in person when conditions allow.”
The Head Master extended his thanks to the Fifth Form, the Student Council, and the Parents at Lawrenceville association for their thoughtful partnership in creating these virtual events. “Again and again, as we navigate the challenges of the current crisis, I have witnessed the resilience and adaptability of our community, and I am so grateful to be a part of this VILLEage,” Murray said.
The schedule for Class of 2020 celebrations is as follows:
May 23: Pinning Ceremony and Faculty Speaker
May 29: Aurelian Speaker and Fifth Form Meeting
May 30: Fifth Form Prize Ceremony and Baccalaureate
May 31: Conferring of Diplomas and Valedictory Address
The May 23, May 29, and May 30 events will be a mix of live and recorded features. With the help of Marching Order and StageClip technology, Lawrenceville’s virtual Commencement will stream pre-recorded and live speeches to graduates and their families, personally recognize each graduate and their achievements, and provide a platform for graduates to engage in communal moments through the webcast or social media. More details – and updates – can be found at https://classof2020.lawrenceville.org/.
In the coming days, Fifth Formers should look for a special package from campus with a rosette for the Pinning Ceremony and a few other mementos to welcome them as Lawrenceville’s newest alumni. A second package will contain the leather sleeve for their diplomas, class photos, and a Lawrenceville pennant.
“My heart breaks for all the students who have worked so hard to reach these important Lawrenceville milestones that must now be marked at a distance from campus and from each other,” Murray said. “When I see how all our students are rising to this unprecedented occasion in the history of our School, our nation, and our world, I am more keen than ever to see what their future holds.”
