We saw it
with our own eyes on Wednesday (June 3), when 277 of Xavier Prep’s 279
graduating seniors made a triumphant return to campus for the first Gator
Senior Crawl.
The
worldwide spread of the COVID-19 (Corona virus) had reduced the last several
weeks of the 2019-20 school year to learning at home through electronic
methods. Nothing on campus was allowed until the Crawl.
The girls
drove to campus and entered the property from the southern edge, along
Meadowbrook Avenue, and slowly wound their way through nine stations,
culminating with the distribution of the much-sought-after yearbooks at the
last stop.
The girls
were not allowed to exit their vehicles. School faculty, coaches and staff
members who were working and/or cheering the girls on wore bright red T-shirts
supporting the seniors as well as masks to help enable social distancing.
Upon arrival, the students had their last names affixed to the windshield (some of the girls car-pooled with as many as three in a vehicle).
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Lacrosse/basketball athlete Tanya Barakat visits with Sr. Lynn Winsor (photos by Don Ketchum) |
Upon arrival, the students had their last names affixed to the windshield (some of the girls car-pooled with as many as three in a vehicle).
They went
through stations in the parking lots behind and to the east of Founders Hall
and wound up heading west on the main drive along the north side of campus.
The first
order of business was to pick up outfits from the annual Fashion Show, but
these unfortunately were not worn this year because the event was a COVID
casualty. Next was tied to the Gators Giving Back program, involving a book and
uniform return.
The freshman
and sophomore classes combined to give their senior big sisters a necklace/chain
with a heart on it as a remembrance. The vehicles also stopped at stations for
pickups of locker contents and various pieces of artwork. Then there were
awards along with caps and gowns. Some of the seniors wore the caps to make it
“official.’’
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One of many inspirational messages. |
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The names of all seniors in 2019-20 adorn this sign. |
The real graduation deal will come on Saturday (June 6) at nearby St. Francis Xavier Church. Graduates will be there in person, and family members can watch a live video feed at a couple of Xavier campus locations.
The vehicles
continued to wind their way toward the home stretch and the traffic slowed a
bit as it approached the stations where Srs. Joan Fitzgerald, Joanie Nuckols
and Lynn Winsor found some shade and a front-row seat. Actually, for the always
energetic Sr. Lynn, there wasn’t much shade or sitting. She walked along to
each car to greet the girls and showed her appreciation.
“These girls
have shown a lot of heart and they deserve this recognition,’’ Winsor said. “We
have never really done this before, and our people who put this together did a
great job.’’
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Some girls car-pooled it and tested out their caps to prepare for Saturday's graduation. |
Remaining
dignitaries, including outgoing XCP Chaplain, Fr. Daniel Cruz, applauded and
shouted encouragement as the vehicles passed closer and the occupants were
asked which college they will be attending. To the credit of the school and its
outstanding faculty, virtually all of the seniors will be continuing their
education, some in-state and some beyond its borders.
Festive
occasions would not be complete without music as part of the celebration. This
one was no different as popular songs from Pharrell Williams, Taylor Swift,
Bruno Mars, OutKast and Jennifer Lopez, among others, blared through
loudspeakers. Varsity volleyball coach Lamar-Renee Bryant and frosh leader
Jamie Itule provided some nifty dance moves while holding their signs and
lacrosse assistant Clayton Zuba showed he has a few dance steps of his own.
The sisters
provided gifts of a Gator-shaped cookie (complete with green frosting) from
Grammy’s Cookies, and a gift card from Starbucks. The XCP Dad’s Club provided
cold water for the support staff.
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Seniors bid farewell to their campus home. |
All sorts of
signs were displayed. One said, “Remember to call your mother!’’
As the
vehicles exited the drive, one last reminder clung to the gate: “2020 – Xavier
will miss you!’’
It was a
year that nobody will soon forget.
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