JUNE 11, 2020

The Nightingale community gathered on the morning of June 11 for closing ceremonies to honor the Class of 2020. While Class XII decided to postpone their formal graduation until it could be celebrated in person, the closing ceremonies nonetheless provided heartfelt moments that were special in their own right. The ceremony included speeches from students, reflections from Ms. Sealy and Ms. Ward on their 2020 yearbook dedications, a poem by Ms. Kassar, words of gratitude from Mr. Burke, singing, videos from Nightingale faculty and Class XII parents, and an unforgettable video of gratitude from the seniors themselves. Click here to watch the full ceremony.

Even before the spring of 2020 set this class apart, our seniors were making their mark on the Nightingale community. Rather than sell t-shirts to raise money for Prom, as is traditionally done, the Class of 2020 hosted a Lower School fair full of fun and games for students and their families on a Saturday in February. When it became clear that those funds would not be able to go towards a much deserved night of celebration, the class made the unanimous decision to donate their entire Prom fund to the Northwell Health system. Members of the Class of 2020 have also left a lasting impact on Nightingale by working with the administration to officially establish Eid al-Fitr as a recognized school holiday, which will begin in May 2021. In recognition of the grace and resilience they displayed this spring, their consistent charge to do better by all, and their absolute embodiment of truth, friendship, and loyalty, Mr. Burke awarded the 2020 Head of School prize to the entire Class of 2020, a first in Nightingale history.

Throughout the spring, Nightingale honored the members of the Class of 2020 on social media featuring photos and reflections of their time behind the blue doors. Click here to view their photos and read their reflections.