Commencement for the Saint James School Class of 2021 was held on Sunday, May 23. The Class of 2021 included 49 students, 34 of whom graduated in-person with 15 virtual students who watched the ceremony via a Zoom live stream. 

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the Class of 2020 to watch a virtual Commencement ceremony that was pre-recorded in a completely empty Senior Circle. So even though this was a hybrid ceremony with some classmates missing, it was still wonderful to once again see our graduates hold their diplomas high from the Senior Steps.

Attendance was limited to families of the graduating students, fifth form students, faculty and staff. Many of our graduates had received the COVID vaccine and the governor of Maryland had also recently lifted the mask mandate for outdoor events, so for the first time all year, our students were able to show off their smiles.

Prior to the ceremony, the graduates gathered at the main gate for the traditional class photo. They held framed photos of their virtual classmates and then took group photos with the frames as well, clearly missing their friends and wanting to include them. 

Following the traditional opening procession through the Senior Circle by faculty, sacristans, and sixth formers, Headmaster Father Dunnan gave opening remarks to those assembled on the lawn on the hot and sunny day. He remarked how this class formed deep bonds during this remarkable year and urged them to, "Go out and do great good." 

After the presentation of Commencement Day prizes, Dr. Maulik S. Joshi, president and CEO for Meritus Health and a member of the SJS Board of Trustees, delivered the Commencement address.

Dr. Joshi talked about the lessons to be learned from COVID, including abundance and agility. 

"Keep learning and approach life with a lens of abundance," Dr. Joshi said. "You have been given a gift of abundance from Saint James. You have been able to see abundance in the form of friendships. Abundance in the form of what you've learned from your teachers. Abundance in the form of what you've learned from your textbooks. Abundance in the form of the people you interact with every day and served. And abundance from the values you live. Use that abundance and use it with agility. Congratulations, Class of 2021."

The Rt. Revd. Robert Ihloff (Bishop of Maryland) and Geoffrey Pohanka ’76 (SJS Board President) then joined Father Dunnan at the top of the Senior Steps to hand out diplomas, where hugs and handshakes were shared, distancing rules forgotten in the excitement of the day. Families cheered as diplomas were raised in the air, and we hope those participating at home were cheering as well.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Father Dunnan officially declared the 2020-2021 school year closed, ending a challenging year that will not soon be forgotten.

The members of the Class of 2021 had a memorable Commencement, whether watching from home or from the Senior Circle. Congratulations and welcome to the Saint James School alumni ranks!