CCS class of 2021 ends another unusual year and starts a new chapter

On Thursday, June 10, Charlotte Central School (CCS) graduates of the class of 2021 and their families drove through the grounds of The Old Lantern Inn and Barn and were announced and congratulated by staff members before heading inside for a tropical-themed party. The evening celebrated the accomplishments of Charlotte’s eighth-graders as they move on to the next chapter of their lives this fall. Whether a graduate had only attended CCS for a short time or had been there since kindergarten, each student became part of a tight-knit group who all seemed to know each other’s names and families.

Years of classes, step-up days, school dances, assemblies, sports games, play productions and field trips culminated in a graduation ceremony that—like many others this year and last—was different than those in previous years. After the graduates drove through with their families, had their names announced, received their diplomas, and took photos, they headed inside The Old Lantern for a final party. They enjoyed dancing to music, playing lawn games, and food from Catering by Dale. This graduation would not have been possible if it wasn’t for The Old Lantern which provided the setting on short notice, as well as Horsfords for donating flowers, CBD for catering, and Audrey Ziter who donated the tropical-themed decorations and headed the decorating committee. Together they worked to create a night that would honor the graduates’ hard work and accomplishments throughout their years at CCS.

During the week leading up to graduation, the class took a day trip to Button Bay in Ferrisburgh where they swam in a lake, played on a slip n’ slide, tossed frisbees, and experienced being together as a class one last time before graduation night. As the graduates move on to their next chapter in their lives, they they can reflect on treasured memories and build on shared experiences from their time at CCS.

Best of luck to this year’s graduates in the years to come!

Olivia Carolyn Hagios is a life-long reader and writer who graduated from CVU last spring and is now majoring in English at UVM. During her time as an at-home freshman this year, she has been working hard on her writing—poetry, short and long stories— and is now beginning to dabble in local news articles for The Charlotte News.