Amid COVID-19, Dolton 149 Holds 8th Grade “Virtumencement”

(Calumet City, IL) – The 8th grade students from south suburban school district Dolton 149 may have been out of their school buildings for the last 10 weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but their May graduation was never out of the minds of the district’s leaders.

For those last 10-weeks, the district’s top officials worked tirelessly to create “Virtumencement” ceremonies for the district’s 293 8th grade graduates, and on May 28, at 6:00 p.m., the district rolled out the on-line ceremonies for each of its 8th grade classes:

• Creative Communications Academy – view ceremony here
• School of Fine Arts – view ceremony here
• S.T.E.M. Academy – view ceremony here

The “Virtumencement” ceremonies, posted to the district’s Web site and Facebook page, showcased commencement addresses by the Dolton 149 School Board President Darlene Gray-Everett, Superintendent Dr. Shelly Davis-Jones and each of the schools’ principals. Additionally, the schools’ valedictorians and salutatorians, honor students, as well as every student were recognized and featured in their cap and gown.

“Had COVID-19 not intervened, May 28 at 6:00 p.m. would have been the actual, in-person graduation ceremonies,” said Dr. Davis-Jones. “We were able to surprise our students and families by holding their graduation ceremony without even a one-day delay.”

The reaction from the district’s Facebook community was swift and enthusiastic in the comments section.

“This is so beautiful,” posted Cheey Enyokwa. “A big congratulations to the graduates. Thank you to the schools’ principals and the teachers. You did a great job putting this up.”

“Great job school district 149 and Mrs. Darlene Gray-Everett,” wrote Lillie Jones.

For her part, Gray-Everett, the board’s long-time president, hailed the parents, teachers, and students during her commencement speech.

“This year has been very different for all of us. Parents, you really stepped up to your role as parents and as teachers, and students you adjusted to the challenges. We made it,” said Gray-Everett, who has served on the board since 1994. “So, I thank parents, teachers, and students for assisting us during pandemic – a job well done.”

Dr. Davis-Jones echoed Gray-Everett’s remarks.

“An expression of gratitude goes out to the parents/guardians for staying the course during these unprecedented times,” Dr. Davis-Jones said. “We have missed seeing our children’s faces and it has impacted us in ways you will never know.”

davidormsby@davidormsby.com