NFA graduation to be held drive-in style at Dodd Stadium
Norwich — The Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium parking lot will be transformed into a drive-in movie theater June 11 for the COVID-19 version of Norwich Free Academy graduation, with the ceremony shown on two giant LED screens and graduates listening in on car radios.
“As you know, due to the state mandated school closure, we can never truly replace what would have been this spring,” Head of School David Klein wrote in a message sent to seniors Wednesday. “However, we are dedicated to doing our very best to properly honor you and celebrate your impressive achievements while at Norwich Free Academy.”
Graduating seniors are encouraged to “tastefully and creatively decorate your car” prior to arriving at Dodd Stadium for graduation, as no one will be allowed to leave their vehicles at the stadium parking lot, NFA spokesman Michael O’Farrell said.
Two 16-by-10-foot LED screens — visible in daylight — will be set up on trailers. NFA officials will visit the stadium this week to figure out where to set up the screens and how parking will be arranged, O’Farrell said.
NFA officials also are still working out details for a planned post-graduation colorful Wildcats’ parade that will depart Dodd Stadium and process through parts of Norwich. O’Farrell said logistics need to be worked out between Norwich police and NFA officials on the route of the parade and possible tributes to graduates along the way.
Graduates will be feted in other ways through much of June.
By no later than June 1, the lawn in front of Norton Gym on the NFA campus, dubbed the Field of Honor when it is decked out with hundreds of American flags to salute veterans, will be covered with nearly 600 NFA Wildcat lawn signs, one for each graduate.
On June 2 and 3, graduates will be invited to come to campus to pick up their caps and gowns and a Wildcat lawn sign to display at their homes.
As announced previously, virtual ceremonies will be held for seniors, with visual and performing arts awards on June 8, athletic awards June 9 and Class Night and class awards June 10.
From June 14 through June 20, NFA will schedule specific 15-minute time blocks for graduates and their families to go back to the picturesque NFA campus for graduation photos in four outdoor photo stations. During those visits, graduates will receive their diplomas, any awards, graduation programs and other NFA end-of-year materials.
And in January, during college winter break, the NFA Parents Council hopes to host an in-person celebration for the Class of 2020, O’Farrell said.
“We think it’s a pretty robust way to identify and celebrate these kids,” O’Farrell said of the overall graduation schedule.
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