2020 Graduation

Graduation Innovation

President of Notre Dame, Dr. Virginia O’Brien presenting Class Valedictorian Erin Pender ’20, with her diploma

Cayla Akomah ’20

Principal Ms. Jackie Brilliant congratulating the Class of 2020

New graduates Florentina Kolic and Chanel Torres showcasing their college choices The last several months of the 2019–2020 school year were very difficult for all students at Notre Dame. Due to the pandemic, campus closed in March, and the girls continued their classes remotely with an online schedule. The entire student body rose to the occasion, and showed great resiliency and courage during this challenging time. It was especially hard for members of the Senior Class, whose spring semester is usually filled with special events, including prom and graduation. Of course, many of these gatherings were cancelled, and the girls were resigned to the fact that they would not return to campus and would receive their diplomas by mail.

Not to be daunted, the administration worked tirelessly to find a solution. Through the creative brainstorming of Notre Dame President, Dr. Virginia O’Brien S.U., the school’s principal, Ms. Jackie Brilliant, and the vice principal, Ms. Karina Vargas, graduation finally took place—in fact, several graduations took place! On Thursday, July 30, 2020, the school hosted eight separate graduations in the Dolan Center. With the limitation to number of people allowed to gather, these small ceremonies enabled the 80 seniors and their parents to come together to celebrate safely. The goal was to mimic the traditional event, usually held at Cooper Union, as closely as possible under these unique circumstances. For each celebration, the students, dressed in their graduation robes, processed in to the Dolan Center to “Pomp and Circumstance,” and were seated on stage. Sr. Virginia greeted the Class of 2020 and their parents, and expressed her gratitude for the leadership and maturity that they exemplified during their years at ND. She said that their flexibility and steadfastness during the past several months was remarkable and would serve them well in their lives ahead. Sr. Virginia reminded them that in their four years at ND, they have learned and upheld the 12 values of the school’s patron, Anne de Xainctonge. For each ceremony, Sr. Virginia spoke about two of the values, and encouraged each group of new alumnae to continue to live by them and go out and change the world.

Maintaining ND graduation traditions, there were two student speakers, Valedictorian Erin Pender, and Student Council President Danica Mercado. They had prerecorded their speeches, which were then played at each event. Both student leaders were able to speak in person during the own ceremonies. Erin spoke of the hardships that her generation has endured—from being born right after

Danica Mercado, Student Council President

9/11, to witnessing terrorist attacks and bombings within the city and around the world. She focused on recent months and the angst of the pandemic, the racial injustices that have been so prevalent, and the ongoing gender disparity in the work place. She told her classmates that they have all been faced with innumerable challenges, but these obstacles have not hindered them. Their years at ND have given them confidence, resiliency, and an outstanding education, and because of this, there is no limit to what they can do to effect change as they enter their next chapters.

Danica reiterated the same theme of coping with the stress and worries in the world, and the uncertainty of the future. She expressed her gratitude to ND for preparing her and her classmates for the future. The education they received and the strong sense of community they have experienced Chez Nous, have instilled in them the compassion, selflessness, and tools to be able to write the next pages of history. She ended by telling her classmates that if they took nothing else away from her speech, they should at least remember the word 'exhaust'. She advised her classmates to exhaust every opportunity, every path, and every obstacle, with the fortitude and passion nurtured in their years together at Notre Dame. By doing so, they will find their own way to effect change and have an impact on society.

After these inspirational speeches, Ms. Vargas called each student’s name, Sr. Viginia presented the diplomas, and Ms. Brilliant delivered some final words of wisdom. She remembered welcoming them four years ago, telling them about the school’s history and Anne de Xainctonge, who had looked out her window and saw great needs in the world. Like Anne de Xainctonge, the seniors’ years at ND have given them the chance to look outside their own windows and see what needs to be done, and now they have the opportunity to make a difference in the world.

The Class of 2020 and their families were very grateful for the innovative approach to graduation, and expressed their gratitude to the school for making it happen. One of the ND values is perseverance, so it should come as no surprise that, despite the difficulties and challenges of the pandemic, the seniors were able to return Chez Nous one more time, and enjoy a special graduation ceremony that they will never forget.