Class of 2020 Drive-Through Diploma Distribution

On Sunday, May 17, 2020, Shorecrest Preparatory School held a Parade and Drive-Through Diploma Distribution for the 85-member Class of 2020 - the first class to receive their diplomas through "carline." Among the graduating class are 5 National Merit Commended Scholars, a National Hispanic Scholar, 10 committed student-athletes, many thespians, at least 2 pilots and 2 Eagle Scouts. Collectively the Class of 2020 completed over 11,000 service hours during their four years of high school through roles close to home with NOAA dolphin research, The Kind Mouse and Guardian ad Litem, nationally through Re-Member and Relay For Life and internationally with the Simunye Project among others.

Vehicles packed with emotional family members drove one-by-one around campus, past classmates, teachers, administrators, friends and - of course - Sparky.

It is a tradition at Shorecrest to name an Outstanding Senior each year. This member of the graduating class returns in ten years to speak at Commencement. Headmaster Mike Murphy shared a Commencement Address written by Mitch Marois, the Outstanding Senior of the Shorecrest Class of 2010. Mitch listed bits of advice he wished he had been given before graduating from college.

Headmaster Mike Murphy and Head of Upper School Don Paige gave remarks as well, which were broadcasted through speakers around campus and through an FM radio transmission so Chargers could remain socially distanced and safe in their vehicles.

Students then drove a second lap around campus, this time stopping to exit their cars and receive diplomas from a safe social distance. They were also given the opportunity to leave an item behind for a time capsule to be opened at their 10 year Chargers Alumni reunion.

Because the class could not gather on the steps of the Janet Root Theatre for the traditional, ceremonial cap toss due to COVID19, the final member of the Class of 2020 to receive her diploma, Nikki Lovesky '20, gleefully released her mortarboard in the air as those around her cheered and honked their car horns. It signaled the end of our historical Carline Commencement. 

Good luck to our newest alumni -- the Shorecrest Chargers Class of 2020!!

#Shorecrest2020