Kirk C. Watkins, Jamestown. On Thursday, May 21, 2020, the Jamestown Elementary School (JES) conducted its graduation with a flair that has come to define Jamestown and its surrounding neighborhoods. In this case, the occasion was the graduation of its fifth-grade class and the ending of another school year. 

According to the signs that greet visitors as they enter the town borders, Jamestown boasts a population of two hundred and fifty. Jamestown Elementary School is not a large school, or even a medium sized school. In fact, it is a tiny school that is one of the few remaining “one room” schools in the county. 

This years’ graduation proved to be an exercise in creativity and community cooperation. Teachers and staff were faced with the dilemma of how to navigate a graduation following the social distancing guidelines still governing both Boulder County and Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) activities. The solution was provided by Patrick Griffin, the teacher for the third, fourth and fifth grade classes. He was able to organize an online, end-of-the-year tribute to his students, followed by a slideshow presentation for the fifth-grade graduating class consisting of one student this year, Lliam Truman Xavier Watkins. 

Griffin explained the process, “We have a very unique and special environment at Jamestown Elementary, where, with a lower number of students than most schools, I am able to spend time tailoring our graduation ceremony to the individual graduates.  Most years I have been here, we have had from three to six graduates moving on to middle school from 5th grade.  This year was exceptional in that we had only one 5th grade graduate, Lliam Watkins.  We also had to think “out of the box” for the ceremony because of the current pandemic. I created a short, online video recognizing our graduate that I narrated over while Lliam and his family, along with other JES families, were watching from home.” 

At the conclusion of the morning ceremony, the children were dismissed for the summer. Griffin told Lliam that he would drop off his diploma later on that day. However, unbeknownst to Lliam, Mr. Griffin had something bigger planned.

Griffin went on to explain, “We also organized a surprise ‘social distancing parade’ to deliver Lliam’s diploma, which we thought would be memorable, and many families turned out for it.  I think Lliam was quite surprised when he saw a long parade march up his driveway making noise just for him, and even more surprised when a drone flew in to deliver his diploma!  It was an emotional graduation ceremony for everyone, not only because we are sad to see Lliam move on, but also because this was the first time over the last few months that many of the kids and parents were able to see each other in person (albeit at a distance).”

Lliam was overwhelmed by the show of support, “It was really cool, and it was different and new compared to the other ceremonies with quarantine. I was really surprised, and it was really nice getting it from a drone,” said Lliam, “The diploma, I had to grab it from the drone. I was surprised that everybody in my class, plus almost half of the Bar-K neighborhood and Jamestown came to our yard.”

Sal DeVincenzo along with his son Max, strategically organized across the street from Lliam’s home. They set up speakers to blast Pomp & Circumstance, took pictures and video of the event, as well as operated the drone that delivered Lliam’s diploma.

Beth Brotherton, a longtime resident of Jamestown and the assistant principal of JES had this to say, “It was wonderful that every family turned out to honor Lliam. Even our principal came up from Boulder! It demonstrates, once again, that Jamestown Elementary truly is a caring family, rather than an educational institution. The celebration that was put together for Lliam, was, I think, even better than if we would have still been in school without a pandemic hanging over our heads! I’m sure no one will ever forget it! Sal DeVincenzo, as usual, truly stepped up, and Patrick Griffin, as the master of ceremonies was perfect!”

Although the world around the children has been drastically altered, the efforts of schools, families and communities has helped to alleviate the pain that comes from separation. Gay Paxton, the teacher for the kindergarten through second grade gave a real reminder of the difficulties endured throughout this school year. “This was one of my hardest years and one of my best as a teacher. It was challenging learning how to teach online, but it was very rewarding, too. I loved watching the kids learn and grow through a new medium, but I missed the hugs terribly. I sure hope we can go back to the classroom next year.”

Many variables regarding the structure of education will not be decided until closer to the start of the next school year. But for now, the children of JES will enter their summer break with a memory that will last for a lifetime. And Lliam will be able to look back and think about the time that his school came to him to celebrate his achievement. 

Mr. Griffin remarked, “I know I will remember this special graduation day forever, and I hope Lliam does also. I will miss Lliam, and I wish him the best in middle school. I know he will be successful!”

To watch Sal & Max DeVincenzo’s short video of Lliam’s drone graduation go to https://tinyurl.com/ycd2412a

(Originally published in the May 28, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)