The graduating class of 2021 has had a completely unique senior year, and so of course their graduation ceremony had to be one-of-a-kind as well. It actually turned out to be 44 individual, one-of-a-kind moments – one for each student. When the pandemic hit and canceled in-person gatherings, our staff at New Millennium Secondary School (NMSS) started brainstorming. We hatched a plan that worked so well for the 2020 seniors, we rebooted it for our 2021 class this year. Our Principal Navarro loves to say “We are small but mighty!” about both our school and our senior class. With 44 students graduating in isolation, we wanted each student to feel mighty – and so after kicking around a few ideas, we launched our 2021 graduation plan.
We bleed blue
The collective pride we feel at being a part of NMSS is tangible. We even say “We bleed blue” to show how deep our connection is, so on graduation day of 2021, with our school colors flying, we set off to show our seniors how much they mean to us.
New Millennium’s parade visited each student at their home, giving personal graduation ceremonies complete with switching of the tassels to Pomp and Circumstance playing on the (DJ car’s) loud speakers! Several teachers and staff joined in to create a parade of decorated cars with music rocking and hands waving, sporting blue smoke in school colors to add to the fun.
Small school agility and personal touch
In the days and weeks leading up to graduation, we posted and chatted with students and families on Instagram to queue everyone up for their personal 10 minute commencement ceremony. Starting at our originally scheduled graduation time, we mapped a simple criss-cross of student houses through the greater Los Angeles area. Each senior agreed to be outside in cap, gown, and mask at the hour we set.
Thankfully, texting and messaging on Instagram helped everyone stay on cue when LA traffic took over. Our mighty band of celebrants kept cheering till the moment when the final graduate cap went flying into the air. Even days after, we were all still beaming with energy and pride.
Enroll your student at New Millennium today to open new doors of connection and support.
About NMSS
The New Millennium Secondary School (NMSS) is a charter high school in Gardena, CA committed to preparing students to become life-long learners and dynamic leaders in the competitive 21st century. NMSS was created to address the rising global competitive environment for talent. Our students enjoy a small school education with big school sports and accredited community college classes. Enroll your student today.
