CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville Christian School held its seventh annual graduation commencement service, but it was the first of its kind for CCS due to the COVID-19 pandemic. School teachers and staff have labored from the beginning of this crisis to move their usual learning model to one that would allow students, parents and staff to continue the cultivation of learning outside of the classroom. This versatility and adaptability in utilizing the latest technology ensures students were able to receive the top-notch education CCS is known for and that the graduating class of 2020 achieved educational milestones required for graduation.
Graduate portraits began at 9:00 a.m., then students made their way to the gymnasium for their commencement. CCS organized the gymnasium to keep students, their immediate family members, and a limited number of faculty members and staff at safe distances in accordance with COVID-19 safety measures and social distancing restrictions. The event started at 10:00 a.m. and was shared with over 500 friends, family members, sponsors and supporters via a Facebook Live webcast.
Class valedictorian, Rachel Hurston, and class salutatorian, Rachel Russell, both gave moving speeches to their fellow classmates about the unprecedented circumstances their class had been through together. CCS President, Dr. Brad Moser, applauded students for their determination to see their high school education through to the end despite all the challenges they faced.
He was immediately followed by Mr. Taft Ayers, Business Development Coordinator for WAY-FM. Mr. Ayers who said “I never heard someone describe their class as kind; I never hear somebody say, hey my class is full of kind people, is full of kind people that will go on to impact the world”. Bringing the ceremony to a closure CCS Principal, Stephanie Travis, voted 2020 “Principal/Headmaster of the Year” by Clarksville Main Street Awards, shared a thought-provoking advice while quoting scripture from the Bible and saying that “I the Lord your God will hold your right hand saying to you, fear not I will help you; Isaiah 41:10-13”. The graduation ceremony is available for you to watch now on Clarksville Christian School’s Facebook Page. Friends and Family interested in obtaining offline copies of the ceremony can order them through the school’s website at www.clarksvillechristianschool.org.