For the first time in over two years, the Class of 2020 reunited in person on April 7 in the Yvette Siegel-Herzog Performing Arts Center. Over 40 members of the Class of 2020 were in attendance, with even more members joining remotely.
The mood was jubilant and nostalgic as the alumni and faculty in attendance marveled at how grown up they had become in two short years, but it only took a few moments for everyone to fall right back into animated conversations, as if they had never been interrupted.
The last time this group was together in person was in March 2020. When the school moved to remote learning at the start of the pandemic, everyone thought they’d be back after spring break, or within a few weeks, for certain. No one could have predicted they would graduate virtually, and spend much of the first year at their new schools in a remote or hybrid environment.
After some time mingling, the alumni sat down for a more formal chat, sharing some of the successes and challenges they experienced over the past few years. Several students were on athletic teams and active in theater, and many spoke of their volunteer and service efforts in their communities and at their new schools.
When asked by Director of Placement Erica Kasindorf what advice they would give to graduating Gaynor students, many said to remember the skills learned at Gaynor — organization, “trusting the process,” and advocating for themselves with their teachers.
Since the event was held in the Performing Arts Center, the alumni had the chance to walk across the stage as Director of Upper Division Christine Karamanoglou read their names, an experience they were not able to have during their virtual graduation. Each received a gift from Director of Alumni and Parent Engagement Tia Murkison.
The alumni did not want to leave at the end of the event, and promised to return to Gaynor to visit again soon.