The unexpected creativity during these unprecedented times
Judy Romano
Transformational Leader | Technology Driven | Actionable Insights | Change Agent | Inspirational Leadership | High Performing Teams| Walking the Talk | Speaker
I have been amazed at the stories about how people have responded to the Covid-19 virus. I have seen more compassion, patience, creativity, collaboration and innovation than I have seen in a very long time. We will get through these testing times and will be stronger for it!
These have been unprecedented times for all of us, personally and professionally. I post daily about my professional journey in my new role at Intercontinental Hotels Group. We all have been 'forced' to adapt to new ways of working.
Personally, my oldest participating in the First Year Abroad Program in Spain and Italy through Florida State University had to be extracted a day before the Spanish airspace was closing due to the virus. Trying times requiring quick thinking and decision making but we are fortunate as he made it home safe. Sadly this meant his dream to spend the summer in Florence (the birthplace of his paternal grandmother) had to come to and end.
Highschool Seniors, like my daughter, have been 'robbed' from tradition that we all have grown to take for granted; prom, graduation and senior pictures, family celebrations amongst other traditional activities.
Cambridge High School has been working very hard to reinvent the graduation experience for high school seniors. I have been amazed at their commitment and creativity on finding ways to make memories for the seniors and their families. Ms Premoli, Principal of Cambridge High School in Milton, GA announced to parents of Class of 2020 they have been working on a 'once-in-a-lifetime, creative celebration' for seniors, parents, families and friends.
The school's approach has been exemplary, having been forced to adapt very quickly to these unprecedented times. Putting together a graduation event takes a lot of time and planning and unexpectedly all plans were out in the window and new ones (in line with health guidelines) had to be made in a very short time.
Today Ms Premoli shared with us details about the Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremony and Celebrations:
‘Virtual Commencement Ceremony – A dignified, traditional ceremony that will be broadcast “Live” for ALL (graduates, friends, and family around the world) to view
Pending: Staged graduation pictures in the auditorium
Pending: Drive-thru celebration. At pre-appointed times based on the location of home address in our attendance zone, students, in decorated cars and dressed in gowns, will drive with families through our decorated campus and receive Cambridge Post and diploma cover.
20 Days for the Class of 2020
Kick-off May 1, 2020: Friday Night Lights at 20:20 – light up sports facilities for 20 minutes to honor the graduates.
First Day of 20 Days for the Class of 2020 on May 4, 2020: Each day will be dedicated to some activity/theme to celebrate and honor the graduates.’
COVID-19 has certainly forced us to tap into our creativity as we adapt to new ways of doing things. I watched the live broadcast of the Airforce Academy's graduation a few weeks ago, and their creative solution was to seat each graduate 6 feet apart in the wide open field. Although loved ones weren't present, I still saw the pride in their faces, and I too as a patriot with no ties to a graduate was proud. The decision to host the graduation with some adjustments shows that we must respond to adversity by being unconventional. Let the change force us to be agile and find creative solutions. The alternative is to miss out on an opportunity or remain stuck in fear.