HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Officials from across the installation are planning events to celebrate graduating students of the class of 2020.
Hanscom-connected graduates include students from Bedford and Shawsheen High Schools, Hanscom Middle School and other local institutions.
Organizers from the installation resilience cell are asking for candy donations for the high school graduation celebration, slated for June 6.
“The installation Resilience Cell is creating ‘congrats baskets’ for our graduating seniors,” said Carolyn McCafferty, installation community support coordinator. “The baskets will be filled with candy along with a poem inside, wishing them the best.”
Candy donations can be made at the Hanscom Chapel in the designated drop box on the front steps.
McCafferty asks that parents or guardians of graduating seniors email HanscomResilienceCell@gmail.com to confirm the graduate’s name is listed. Resilience cell staff also have a complete list of the candy types needed.
“If your child doesn’t attend Bedford or Shawsheen and you’d like to receive a basket, email the graduate’s full name and school so we can prepare a basket for them,” said McCafferty.
McCafferty also said organizers are preparing a congratulatory message using plastic “cups” in the softball field chain link fence facing Castle Park and the Youth Center here. Families are welcome to leave posters, flowers, or notes to celebrate their graduate.
Faculty from HMS have organized an eighth grade celebration over two days, with a virtual get together planned for June 8.
“Along with diplomas, we typically include a certificate and written note to the students,” said Erich Ledebuhr, HMS principal. “This virtual event will include a video recognition and feature those notes to the students.”
The following day, graduating students will participate in a parade through base housing. Once back at the HMS campus, students and their families will have an opportunity to take photos with teachers in front of the building in accordance with physical distancing guidelines.
“We reached out to the kids, parents and teachers to find the best way to celebrate,” said Ledebuhr. “We think this is an appropriate and great way to honor them and their hard work.”