Beacon High School “Graduation Walk” Production

By Jennifer L. Warren

BEACON – Jonathan Hibbert credits Beacon High School with changing his life for the better.

The soon-to-be graduate, smiling wide and clad in his blue graduation cap and gown Monday morning, cites the smaller class sizes and overall environment, along with individual approach, paying huge dividends on his overall focus and confidence. Hibbert, who came from a much larger district, spent the last couple years of his high school journey at Beacon High School, was one of 231 members of his BHS 2020 graduating class who got to walk across his home school’s Athletic Field stage and receive his diploma a little early this week. It was an event that once again provided that personalized, one-of-a-kind Beacon touch which Hibbert will treasure for many years to come.

“Even though we can’t have a regular graduation, today is very special to me because I got to wear my cap and gown and walk across the stage,” said Hibbert, who will attend Dutchess County Community College in the fall with the intentions of becoming a physical therapist some day. “My whole family gets to be here and share it with me as well which means a lot.”

Although BHS class members did not officially get their diplomas this week, they had the meaningful, tradition-laden opportunity to go through much of the symbolic rites of passage gestures of graduation day. Getting the go-ahead to hold graduation virtually at the Hyde Park Drive-in Movie Theater, the School District decided to make an ensemble of the video footage of each graduate walking the stage, having his-her name announced and families present to adjust a cap, snap a photo, or simply clap and cheer on the amazing feat of their graduate. Those clips, along with pre-recorded speeches, and other nostalgic segments will make up the June 24 graduation viewing that will take place from 8:30-10pm at Hyde Park. The event will also be made available for those who can’t attend in-person as well as be added to the District Website. The hope is to have each graduate, Monday-Wednesday, take that milestone stage walk, so their individual moment can be captured for later this month.

Following that traditional walk, each prospective graduate was treated to a five minute photo session with Dawn Sela, School Photographer. Snapping photos of graduates with a diploma in hand as well as celebratory poses, Sela captured an assortment of images. In fact, it was Sela, along with Robert Lanier, both BHS alumni, who contributed even further to this week’s authentic, creatively crafted pre-graduation event. Sela had the idea, and Lanier helped her get the needed support. The result was another special, personalized piece aimed at making this year’s graduation memorable. Following the photo session, graduates were able to take home a 3 feet x 2 feet lawn sign bearing their names. On back of the signs was an array of Beacon business sponsors. Sela added still more creative twists to her diligent efforts.

“I wanted to do something really special and memorable for the graduates; so knowing I have 5 minute appointments, I also wanted to take some photos with their parents,” said Sela, who has had two children graduate from the District and another who is finishing her freshman year. “I designed the front of the signs, and the fact that the businesses helped out with sponsorship and are displayed on the back of them really shows the whole community supports the graduates.”

All the hard work and unwavering support going into this week’s three days of videotaping, professional picture taking and lawn sign gifts, did not go unnoticed. Both students and parents were grateful for the versatility and caring gestures directed at making this milestone day-just a few weeks away- as unforgettable as possible during these unprecedented times.

“I think this is a wonderful endeavor during such difficult times,” said Reverend Tony Hibbert II, after his son Jonathan had just wrapped up his time with photographer Sela. “As a parent, we appreciate everything that’s done by the District to make this time so beautiful for our children.”

Andrea Davis, parent of another member of the BHS Class of 2020, Aiden Davis, expressed similar sentiments.

“I want to commend Dr. Landahl, Principal Soto as well as all those involved for this amazing opportunity for our children,” Said a very appreciative Davis, who selflessly stepped up as Senior Class Advisor during the latter part of the school year. “We as parents, family members and a community as a whole, feel blessed that seniors have this opportunity to walk across the stage in their caps and gowns and to be able to do so with pomp and circumstance while celebrating all of their hard work.”