As the 2020-2021 academic school year approaches an end, the Class of 2021 prepares to graduate and celebrate their time at Dana Hall. Although this year was not what many students expected, the administration and senior class deans spent lots of time doing what they could, in accordance with Covid guidelines, to make the year feel as “normal” as possible. This spring, baccalaureate, class day, senior projects, and the senior celebration will all be held in reimagined ways.
Commencement is Saturday, May 29, on the Wayside Field. Each senior is allowed to bring six guests. The senior class will sit together as a grade at the front of the tent while their guests sit in socially distanced familial pods scattered around the tent. Teachers will not be at Commencement this year due to the lack of space. The school has hired Boston Light and Sound to provide a professionally produced multi-camera experience for those who cannot attend in person.
This year’s senior projects allow seniors to pursue a project of their choice virtually at home. The student’s must craft their project around something that interests them and must spend 5-7 hours a day working on it. Senior Class Co-President Rachel Hendrix ‘21 said that she “is excited for this time because it is a good mental health break and it allows me to pursue my passions.” The students must also read a book related to their topic and meet weekly with their project advisor about their progress. On Friday, May 28, seniors will present their project virtually to their grade, faculty, and some members of the junior class.
Baccalaureate and Class Day is being held on Zoom on the morning of Friday, May 28. Details of this ceremony are not yet finalized. All of the awards traditionally given will still be presented.
This year, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Dana Hall will not be holding a prom. Seniors were given the option of dressing up in typical prom attire for a gathering with their classmates, but declined. Instead, they will be having a casual senior celebration with their grade.
On the night of Friday, May 28, the eve of the Commencement ceremony, the in-person students of the Senior Class will join together on campus to celebrate their time at the school. This optional celebration will consist of food trucks, yard games, music, and the planting of the class tree. All School Co-President Alex Dent ‘21 said that she is very excited “for these fun memories that I know I’ll cherish forever.” Students will be able to spend their last day as a high school student with their silver sisters in lighthearted and Covid-safe fun. The night will end with a final singing of “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” and one last ring tap. Remote students who are unable to go will have the opportunity to attend every event via zoom.
Dana Hall’s commitment to Covid safety remains in place for the senior celebration. Students will be expected to maintain social distancing and stay outside as much as possible.
On Tuesday, May 11, the senior class held the annual “senior prank.” Their prank included moving many classroom desks onto the soccer field, streamers throughout the halls, popsicle stick sculpture of a shaped moon and star on the soccer field, and balloons and 2021 decorations throughout the school. Another part of the prank was convincing the school that it was Upper School Director Jessica Keimowitz’s birthday. The traditional bell noise signaling the end of class was changed to a voice saying “happy birthday, Ms. Keimowitz,” and many balloons were placed in the Academic Office.
