Norwich — COVID-19 school and business closures disrupted the final spring semester for the nine graduates of the Norwich Transition Academy, but they stood spread out in the Hickory Street School parking lot Wednesday afternoon and celebrated their graduation.

In the program, post-high school special education students aged 18-21 learn job and independent living skills. Starting in March, the senior class, accompanied by job coaches, work at businesses throughout the community, including Papa Gino’s, Mohegan Sun Casino, supermarkets and Norwich Public Schools food services program.

Except for this March, when schools were ordered closed, and the casinos and many businesses followed suit. Grocery stores remained open, but teachers and job coaches could not continue their teaching.

“I am extremely proud of the Norwich Transition Academy graduates this year,” program coordinator Tom Dufort said Wednesday. “Despite the unique challenges this year has presented, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate with them (Wednesday).”

With limited invitations and graduates spread out in the parking lot and the ceremony shown on the school system’s Facebook page, Dufort introduced each graduate and told stories of how they livened up the classroom, always maintained positive outlooks and even created a few new traditions. Graduate Robert Bissell created “Finally Friday” celebrations at the school, a new tradition that will continue, Dufort said.

“Truly, this is going to be a memorable year,” Dufort said.

Several graduates will work through adult service agencies for people with disabilities to further their job training and work at various businesses throughout the region. Graduate Elijah Lamarre could not attend Wednesday’s graduation ceremony because he is working full time at Mohegan Sun and recently returned to work, Dufort said.

Norwich Superintendent Kristen Stringfellow told the graduates she was honored to be one of the few invitees to the graduation ceremony. She thanked the teachers and job coaches for helping the students get through the difficulties of COVID-19 disruptions and praised students for their perseverance.

“It’s been a very difficult year for everyone,” Stringfellow said. “But you have flourished, and you have succeeded. I hope that you fondly remember this year as a year of wonderful experiences with each other and with these wonderful adults.”

Norwich Transition Academy graduates: Amy Bachelder, Robert Bissell, Jason Choi, Charles Dickens, Christian Jones, Elijah Lamarre, Tyrique McQuay-Martin, Joshua Williams and one who asked not to be identified.

c.bessette@theday.com