On what would have been their graduation day, Sunday, June 7, Dartmouth High seniors celebrated the first virtual graduation with a video compilation of students walking across stage to receive their diplomas.

The traditional met the high-tech in a socially distanced ceremony and speeches that took place with special guidelines due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Each video was filmed throughout last week, with just each student’s family present for their walk across the stage. 

DHS TV Media and Dartmouth Community TV compiled the footage into a graduation video that was broadcast on YouTube and DCTV cable at 1 p.m. on Sunday following a parade through town earlier that morning.

“As a class, you have once again demonstrated the power and triumph of can do over can’t do,” said Principal Ross Thibault in his video address. “It is in unordinary times that extraordinary people reveal themselves. Class of 2020, you are a collection of extraordinary human beings.”

“You have the determination and mindset required for success — even in the uncertain world into which you are graduating,” he added.

Thibault called perseverance and positivity the defining characteristics of this year’s graduating class.

“We know that this is not the ending that you had hoped for. But in every crisis, there is opportunity,” he said. “Class of 2020, you have waited long enough. This is your moment.”

Class president Braely Neto noted that this year’s senior class will “always be remembered.” 

“A lot was thrown at us, but we got through it, didn’t we?” she asked. “We’re a resilient bunch.”

Many others called the Class of 2020 “resilient” in their remarks, including valedictorian Victor Gonsalves, who said his classmates are “the most resilient group of kids I’ve ever seen.”

“I know it sucks, but we made history,” he added. “Class of 2020, hold your heads up high.”

Other speakers included Class of 2020 Treasurer Hannah Bruce, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bonny Gifford, School Committee Chair Chris Oliver, and faculty speaker Bryan Hellkamp.

“This year has given us the opportunity to see things from a unique perspective,” said Hellkamp. “I’ve spoken with countless students that have all expressed how much they miss school. Imagine that, students actually wanting to come back to school!” 

“This ordeal has shown us how much we take for granted,” he added, before repeating some advice for the seniors.

“Don’t let the things you can’t change hold power over your life,” he said. “Focus on what you can change and what you can achieve.”

Class secretary Sabrina Pires addressed the class in a video broadcast after the diplomas were handed out. 

“I know we thought we would have all been together right now,” she said. Regardless, she noted, “we are making history...Our persistence and acceptance of this new world is simply making us better equipped for the future.”

Pires then asked the class not to rise, but to move their tassels from right to left to indicate that they have finished their high school education.

In a simultaneous motion, the video collage showed all 259 graduating seniors moving their tassels.

“I have no doubt every single one of us will change the world,” said Pires.