Bishop Maginn High School launched the beginning its Coronavirus style graduation today in this extraordinary year.

School officials drove to every single senior in the class bringing a special lawn sign and a gift bag for every student.

They got to half of the class today, the rest will be visited on Monday.

Principal Mike Tolan, Art and Theology Teacher Sue Silverstein, and Christina Scioffi, the school secretary drove all over Albany in considerable heat to congratulate every single senior.

They worked very hard to get to every single house and apartment today and Monday.

In a few weeks, the class will gather – social distance enforced –  in the Albany Cathedral for a more formal graduation ceremony. Next week,  the class will receive their caps and gowns (and Jesmyn Ward’s books), wave goodbye to one another.

Principal Mike Tolan (above, rear center between Christine Cioffi and Sue Silverstein)  and Sue were determined to help the graduates mark the occasion, I can’t tell you how hard they all worked these past few weeks to make this happen.

They were determined that this moment be honored for these amazing children.

This school and the people who run it are so special, I love all of them dearly.

Every child should know this kind of care and love. Jessica Hoyt, the school’s guidance counselor spent the whole day in her boiling hot Griffin suit, seen at the school’s sporting events, such as they are.

Next week, Zinnia and I (and maybe Maria) return to Bishop Maginn High School for the first time in months, I’m taking Christine, Mike and Sue out to lunch, or rather, bringing some good take out to them.

The school is using its new disinfectant fogger (thanks) to make sure the building is safe and virus free.

Thanks so much for your help in making all of this possible. The students will receive the books next week along with their caps and gowns.

This is such an emotional time for everyone at the school, these children have been through the wringer for most of their lives and I am so grateful to the Army of Good for making sure they all ate and were safe and got some great graduation booty and the chance to honor this important event.

I’m relieved to see so many smiles, it was a tough time for them, one of many.

You did so much good, thanks, thanks, thanks.