Village School Honors Class of 2020 with Emotional Senior Walk

BENNINGTON, Vt. NewsWK —Local alumni from the Village School of North Bennington’s Class of 2020 gathered at their former school this spring for a heartfelt “Senior Walk,” marking a long-awaited celebration that the pandemic had previously interrupted.

Fourteen seniors returned to the Village School to reconnect with their roots and provide reassurance to current students. This event, part of the school’s tradition, offered closure for the Class of 2020, which graduated under unusual circumstances due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A Symbol of Growth and New Beginnings

Head of School Tim Newbold welcomed the alumni during an all-school assembly where current K-6 students were present. He emphasized the lasting bond between all classes that have passed through the Village School, stating, “All of you have in common that you went to school here at the Village School. You will be a part of the Village School always and forever.”

Newbold acknowledged the significance of this gathering, highlighting how the Class of 2020 had their sixth-grade year abruptly disrupted. “These students weren’t even in school for the past few months of their sixth-grade year. We thought it would be special to invite them back for a celebration in person,” he remarked.

Student Journeys and Reflections

• Most returning alumni are graduating from Mount Anthony Union High School.
• Some are headed to college, while others are entering the workforce.
• The assembly featured a slideshow that highlighted their journey from early elementary years to their sixth-grade graduation.

During the assembly, alumni expressed feelings of nostalgia and excitement. Jackson Shulman, who plans to attend Berklee College of Music, shared how his experiences at the Village School shaped his path. “The opportunities, electives, and extracurriculars really shaped my experiences in middle and high school,” he noted.

Current sixth graders also shared memories and experiences from their time at the Village School, illustrating the connection between generations. Reagan recalled, “I will always remember the field trips because they made learning so much fun,” while Enzo emphasized the kindness of the teachers.

A Heartfelt Ceremony

The assembly culminated in a touching sunflower ceremony, where current sixth graders presented each returning graduate with a sunflower, symbolizing growth and new beginnings. Newbold explained, “Sunflowers are always following the sun and following the light. I hope you find your light in this next chapter and follow it. Congratulations on your graduation.” This moment served as a celebration of their achievements and a long-overdue conclusion to their sixth-grade year.

The Village School intends to make this alumni gathering a lasting tradition, recognizing the positive impact it has on current students. The event was organized by Village School Office Manager Tammy Carpenter and aimed to foster new connections within the community.

What’s Next?

This gathering not only brought closure to the Class of 2020 but also inspired current students to envision their futures with confidence. It stands as a reminder of the strength and unity within the Village School community.