DANVERS — In recognition of the unprecedented challenges this year’s graduating class has experienced as well as those students’ unique capacity to meet the moment, St. John’s Prep is hand-delivering diplomas to its graduating seniors. The journey, spanning 15 days from May 14 to May 29, will cover 1,044.5 miles, take 200 hours and stop in 64 cities and towns across two states. Nearly 300 diplomas will be awarded.
Co-piloting a school shuttle bus, Headmaster Edward Hardiman and Principal/Associate Head of School Keith Crowley are driving themselves to student homes using route-optimization software. All safe practices for Massachusetts residents issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health are being followed throughout the effort.
“Like parents and educators everywhere, our school community has been determined to celebrate and honor our 2020 graduates by every available means,” said Dr. Hardiman. “From the moment this idea came up, we believed committing the time and resources to make it happen should be a top priority.”
Also, 112 faculty and staff members have volunteered to attend individual diploma drop-offs for every graduate. The vast majority of faculty and staff are making multiple home visits.
The trip will carry diplomas to 14 graduates from New Hampshire. In Massachusetts, the route will hit municipalities along every compass point, including as far as Lynn and Revere to the south, Amesbury to the north, Gloucester to the east, and Westford to the west.
“Something magical happens when someone actually hands you that document,” said Matt Green, a Beverly resident who received his diploma on May 19 and will attend Fordham University to study the fine arts with a concentration in theater. “They made it such a beautiful moment. It was so special to have my family and teachers there to applaud. I was overwhelmed. It was an incredible seven minutes and something I’ll never forget.”
“At a time when so many of us feel disconnected and out of sync, we believe that going door-to-door delivers a clear message to our graduates: We salute you, we celebrate with you, and we’re here for you, now and always,” said Dr. Crowley.
The Prep recently informed the families of 2020 graduates that the school is planning to host a downsized, ticketed and socially distanced commencement ceremony on campus in August, provided that the state’s phased reopening proceeds according to plan.
