In a year like no other, the Class of 2020 was celebrated surrounded by family and their classmates on July 18, 2020. Once again demonstrating incredible poise, care for one another, and leadership, this group of remarkable graduates made the best of very challenging circumstances.

Just prior to the ceremony starting, Ruth Burke placed flowers in an open chair, ESD’s tradition for honoring those who could not be at the service; this year especially in memory of two graduates’ parents, Mary Elizabeth McCracken Carrell ’86 and Steve Loftus. Henry Isom’s service to the US Naval Academy had already commenced, so his dad received his diploma. Kenneth Lindh ’89 welcomed his son’s class into the Alumni Association.

“Like the true leaders you are though, you have remained steadfast in your positive attitude, looking to build and rebuild community at every turn," said Head of School David Baad. "There is much to celebrate today. By any measure, the Class of 2020 is an extraordinary group.”

Noted achievements for this 107-member class included 460 acceptances to 139 colleges and university with nearly $13M in merit scholarship offers, over 27,000 hours of community service in four years, 26 AP artists, 15 collegiate athletes, and more than 675 AP exams. Perhaps even greater successes were witnessed in their commitment to one another and how they united to face challenges together in support of the greater good.

In his timely valedictory address, Ned Dockery '20 encouraged his classmates, "Let us use this promising trajectory not only to succeed in college and beyond, but also to advocate for others without the same opportunities. So: raise awareness on social media; tutor or mentor someone while in college; go to a protest; and, please, use your right to vote! Let’s learn from the challenges of 2020, and rather than wait for change, let’s make it. For that, Class of 2020, we can truly celebrate."

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