Bishop Connolly gives seniors a socially distant send-off on what should have been graduation day

FALL RIVER – No one was guilty of speeding.

Long separated from the teachers they appreciate and love (and sometimes perhaps drove a little batty), the vast majority of Bishop Connolly’s Class of 2020 took part in the school’s Senior Parade on Wednesday afternoon, the day graduation was originally to be held.

The seniors, many accompanied by family, drove or rode in their motor vehicles past a lineup of face-masked Connolly teachers (many holding signs) lining the sidewalk in front of the school. The vehicles were kept well spaced and the driving pace was something akin to a crawl. Moments were being cherished.

Students and teachers had been separated since March. Connolly’s socially distanced reunion was a success.

“This was just awesome,” senior Sam Corey said. “It’s just an awesome celebration. And it shows their respect and appreciation for us.”

“This is so great,” senior Carley Medeiros said. “I’m so glad Connolly cares about their students enough to have events like this, and to organize these things. Seeing all my teachers, it helps the year come together and makes me feel like yes, I’ve graduated, I did this. I’d like to thank Bishop Connolly High School for this.”

Connolly’s COVID-19-postponed graduation ceremony is now set for Aug. 7.

“It was good seeing the school one more time,” said senior Radhay Jaladi. “I’m excited to finally make my way out to college.”

Senior Olivia Pereira was very moved by the Senior Parade. “Very special,” she said. “A lot of memories here. Four years is a long time. I had a great experience.”

“It was very nice,” said valedictorian Christopher Dupuis, “to see everyone celebrated for their accomplishments.”

Wanting to start the parade at around noon, Connolly President Christopher Myron wisely told the seniors the parade time was 11:45 a.m. Connolly’s graduating class of 2020 consists of 62 students. Myron, noting several international students have returned home, said attendance on Wednesday was in the 90 percent-plus range.

Even though students were required to remain in their vehicles while waiting to start the parade and during the parade itself, they were able to do at least a little reuniting with classmates, even if it just amounted to waving to someone in a car 20 feet away.

“It was beautiful. It was amazing,” said senior Cassidy Mello. “I think I’m getting emotional. I’m very glad I got to see all my friends and enjoy this special moment.”

“I love seeing all the teachers again,” senior Colin Lawrence said, “and all the people I got to go to school with for four years.”

Teacher attendance for Senior Parade was also high.

“It was really awesome,” senior Luc Domagala said. “The teachers at Connolly, they’re really special.”

“They care about you,” senior Tess Kfoury said.

Michael Vieira, longtime Connollly social sciences teacher, was excited to see the Class of 2020 reunited, even in a somewhat unorthodox way. “They’re just great kids,” he said. “They’re polite. They’re very conscientious about their school work. Just a fun bunch. I love them all, miss them all.”

After passing the line of teachers, the vehicles briefly stopped at the auditorium/gymnasium entrance where Myron presented each student with a rose and a cross. The school has a virtual Baccalaureate Mass scheduled for tonight.

“They’re special because they are leaders,” Myron said. “They really set a great tone for our school. I couldn’t me more pleased with what they have done the last four years here. They’re a wonderful group of students. We thank them very much for everything.”

Email Greg Sullivan at gsullivan@heraldnews.com. Follow him @GregSullivanHN.