Class of 2020 Graduates in Historic Ceremony

Kevin Sawyer ’20. Click to enlarge.

Hawks’ Last Flight graduates Class of 2020 from Aldrich Mansion

WARWICK, RI (June 27, 2020) – Despite an unprecedented and distant end to its senior spring, the Class of 2020 came together for the first time since March to graduate from Bishop Hendricken High School. In an evening of socially distant festivities coined “Hawks’ Last Flight,” 194 graduates crossed the stage at the historic Aldrich Mansion to complete their Bishop Hendricken careers.

The evening began first at 2615 Warwick Avenue where droves of decorated cars carrying graduates arrived for a drive-thru celebration on campus. After passing through the iconic Hawk Country arch and down toward Hayden Stadium, cars passed through an honor guard of teachers bearing signs and cheers on our fields. On return to the parking lot, graduates were greeted by Fr. Maricano ’75, Mr. DeCiccio ’03, and administration to receive graduation goodies before heading over to Aldrich Mansion.

Aldrich Mansion lit up in green and gold. Click to enlarge.
Logan Cuthill ’20, Valedictorian. Click to enlarge.

On the way up Warwick Neck Avenue, neighbors and friends could be seen on the sides of the road honking and cheering-on graduate vehicles as they processed into Aldrich Mansion. On the path down to the property’s lower edge, the sweeping views of Narragansett Bay at sunset ensured the evening’s backdrop was second-to-none.

The ceremony kick-off with a thunderous a cappella rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Benjamin Christensen ’20 and Benjamin Kane ’20. Following video remarks from Dr. Frank DeLucia ’70, a member of the 50th Anniversary class, Timothy Moren ’20 delivered the evening’s Salutatory address. After speeches from Mr. DeCiccio and Fr. Marciano, Logan Cuthill ’20 provided Valedictory remarks before all graduates crossed the stage one-by-one to receive their diplomas. The procession to stage was socially distant and diploma reception was completely contactless.

Following video remarks and congratulations from Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, a celebratory light show and video presentation over Narragansett Bay capped off the evening as LED batons waved from the cars sprawled across the back lawn of the mansion.

The entire drive-in ceremony was broadcast via car radios, PA system, 6 large movie screens, as well as carried live on Facebook and YouTube. Media from the evening is available below.

 

Hawks’ Last Flight Recap

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AsYMgzvmGs[/embedyt]

 

Bishop Hendricken’s 59th Graduation Exercises (Drive-In Ceremony)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ku0TUmZzJoQ[/embedyt]

 

Senior Night on Social – Class of 2020 Presentation of Graduates

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do5jMCpZ5Ew[/embedyt]

 

Hawks’ Last Flight Photos

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