As the mother of a recently graduated Lyme-Old Lyme high school senior, I have to applaud and commend so many. The administration, faculty and staff did an amazing job of transferring the learning environment from classroom to remote during the pandemic. An incredible amount of coordination and effort went into this emergency need. I am sure the transition was difficult for many teachers and students as well.

My 2020 graduate is my last of four. (I have had students in the District 18 system for 32 years running.) The outpouring of support and well wishes experienced this time rivaled any previous graduation event. Families, friends, and supporters lined the Post Road, from Rogers Lake onto Lyme Street and McCurdy Road. People who may not have been able to attend a commencement were out in force offering cheers and applause.

In this "new normal," I am quite certain that this amazing class of 2020 felt far more celebrated than any of my previous grads. What a gift after being shut in for so long. Congratulations to everyone who came out to share. We showed pride in our students, staff, and community today.

Kim Pittsinger Hogan

Old Lyme