The novel Coronavirus took a lot from the Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) class of 2020 – from Grad Bash and prom, to their graduation ceremony – but it could not take their spirit.
On Thursday, June 18, 2020, MLEC honored the class of 2020 with a graduation parade. Students had the opportunity to showcase their Jaguar graduation pride and once again demonstrate that they are unstoppable.
There were decorated cars, music, a stage adorned with black and teal balloons where principal Yaset Fernndez handed each student their diploma and took a photo with them. Even the school’s mascot, “Mel Ec,” was there to hype up the crowd.
A lot of pomp, despite the circumstance.
The atmosphere that was created was one of celebration, joy — but above all, of victory. Despite having been such a difficult year, with all the obstacles that the pandemic brought, the effort and sacrifices made by students to successfully complete an arduous year of work was worthy. MLEC’s Class of 2020 is officially an alumni class.
“It was bittersweet. I was very much happy that I got over it but at the same time we never wanted it to happen this way,” said Luna Velasquez, a brand new MLEC grad. “I feel like because I got through it all, but at the same time I wish it had been different in a way,” she continued.
Without a doubt, this year will leave an indelible memory in their minds and hearts. They saw their dreams of graduating with their family and friends fade away, but that didn’t stop the pride that their parents feel from showing — and all alumni attendees were glad to have made an appearance at the event.
“This week I’ve been staying at the beach and I wasn’t really sure if I wanted to drive all the way back home for what I thought was going to be just a regular diploma pick up. I’m very glad I went though, if not I would’ve regretted it for the rest of my life,” said Roxana Casanueva.
Some students arrived at school with photos of their senior portraits designing the hood of their vehicles, graduation banners, and even their cap and gowns to celebrate their graduation.
“I decorated my dad’s truck with some balloons and got dressed in the span of like 10 minutes and was on my way to what was a very cool experience considering everything that’s going on. Since our class couldn’t participate in any activities, I’m glad that the school did this because it was very cool to see everyone in their gowns and honking from their decorated cars,” she continued.
But of course, the celebration didn’t end with decorations and diploma recollections. Besides prideful families, teachers, and Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid, were also there to greet MLEC’s most recent graduates with affection.
“The class of 2020 has been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Cid, “I’m confident that they will be stronger for it and cherish all the things we take for granted.”
Next to Principal Fernandez was in all the graduation regalia, as were the entire administrative staff: Beatriz Sears-Ledon (vice principal), Tammy Thomas and Michael Windisch (assistant principals). MLEC’s former principal, now North Region administrative director, Lourdes Diaz was also there to congratulate the graduates, and many teachers were also in attendance.
“I didn’t really feel anything until I had finished getting my diploma and we drove off,” said now-alumna Diana Lima. “The familiars faces of my beloved teachers slowly became smaller as the distance between each other grew far — that was the moment I knew: Wow, this is really happening I’m starting a new chapter of my life… just being with my parents celebrating the fact I’m the first to graduate high school and to go to college was an overwhelming and delightful experience. I’m just pleased to know I’m finally an alumna.”
Yes, the seniors were rendered in their vehicles for the majority of this trip — and yes, this year’s graduating parade was not what many had anticipated at the end of their 4-year journey through high school. But this alone did not stop these students from making the best out of the minimal by jamming out to McFadden & Whitehead’s “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” at MLEC’s bus loop.
Donning their masks, and practicing social distancing, each student took their final photo with Principal Fernandez, and the class of 2020 once again displays the “pluck & spunk” that they have demonstrated all throughout their tenure at MLEC, their alma mater.
