Congratulations to the Monroe-Woodbury Class of 2021

They did it! The COVID-19 pandemic created a less than memorable school year for the Monroe-Woodbury Class of 2021, with remote, hybrid and finally in-person instruction taking place over the last school year.

That, combined with the loss and/or reimagining of time-honored senior year traditions, was difficult for many. For this class, these challenges began in the tail end of their Junior year.

But as the fates would have it, and some might say the power of prayer, the relaxation of federal, state and local mandates and restrictions allowed for the resumption of five days of in-person instruction, a Senior Car Parade, a reimagined Senior Picnic, a reimagined Senior Prom, a reimagined All-Night Graduation Party event and a reimagined Commencement Ceremony, giving students some hopefully fond memories during a year which probably held little happiness or motivation.

This year, graduation was held at Palisades Credit Union Park, home to the Boulders minor league baseball team, in Rockland County. Monroe-Woodbury was the only Orange County school district to hold a graduation different venue, following the wishes of the Senior Class who voted on this option after being presented with three options prior to restrictions being relaxed.

Although the easing of restrictions quickly allowed Orange County school districts to revert back to holding graduations on their campuses in pre-pandemic style, Monroe-Woodbury stuck to the plan voted upon by its Senior Class.

On June 25, the 600 plus graduates were led into the stadium by faculty guides, without rehearsal, to the time-honored “Pomp and Circumstance” recording of the high school’s Wind Ensemble, a live singing of the National Anthem by senior members of the Voice Ensemble and all the trimmings of one, in-person, live commencement ceremony with everyone being together as per Senior Class wishes. It didn’t matter where the location was. Students’ joy and happiness (and maybe relief) could be seen on the field as well as in the stands where proud parents, family and friends watched.

Students in purple and white caps and gowns glistened in the late afternoon sun on the baseball field, with the fates (and prayer) again providing great weather for honorees, speech presenters and guests. Most caps were adorned with all types of messages and embellishments. Many wore honor cords, additional honor tassels, medals and stoles to signify their academic and sports achievements and honors, of particular importance to them and their families during this pandemic year.

District and high school administration worked hard to provide as much as they could in the Class of 2021’s “year that wasn’t.” They hoped students would take the concepts of resiliency and perseverance, which they were encouraged throughout the year to embrace and execute in their studies....and life, and wisely use those traits going forward as they enter college, the workforce or the military.

And, as any traditional commencement ceremony does, graduates were invited to flip their tassels to signify they were now official Monroe-Woodbury graduates. Caps were gleefully tossed in the air (and, yes, some cigars were lit, too), as cheers erupted from the now-graduates and the crowd.

They did it! Cheers to the Class of 2021.

Take a look at photographer William Dimmit’s images to share in that joy.