Class of 2020 Celebrated Commencement

August 4, 2020

With events called off this spring, the Class of 2020 missed out on many Cretin-Derham Hall traditions. We found creative ways to celebrate them, such as yard signs, a virtual Awards Assembly, and virtual Last Supper. When students were surveyed, they indicated that in-person Commencement was the most important senior-year activity, and they were willing to wait to make it happen.

So, on Sunday, August 2, the Class of 2020 came together for a belated graduation ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Paul. The ceremony involved many safety precautions: all attendees were masked (in special CDH masks ordered for the occasion), students sat socially distanced from one another, and attendance was limited to graduates only, with family and friends watching on a livestream. Students who chose not to attend had their photos presented on a screen when their name was called.

The invocation was given by the Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Hugh Hawkins '93, English teacher, and Emma Schuld '20 spoke. 

While this year's graduation was very different from any we have held before, it was well-received by students and their families.

"Our son was so happy to have this opportunity, and this class has been through so much this year," said parent Joe Anderson. "To get closure and recognition meant the world to us, and reinforced our commitment to the school and belief that it is the best place for our children!"

If you missed the ceremony, you can watch the entire video of graduation on YouTube.

Many more photos are available on Facebook.