Contingency plans

Contingency plans

Seniors look forward to end-of-year festivities such as Commencement, Baccalaureate and Marksmen Ball. Luckily, the administration and the Class of 2020 have organized back-up plans. 

Commencement is the ultimate event that, for some seniors, has been 12 years in the making. It’s one of the most beloved traditions on campus, and a key moment of class unity. Taking place in front of the Path to Manhood statue, it is the culmination of the very journey the statue embodies.

Over the years, past Commencement speakers have included former President Ronald Reagan, businessman Ross Perot and last year’s speaker, international explorer Victor Vescovo ‘84. Now, in the midst of a global pandemic, Commencement, along with Baccalaureate and Marksmen Ball, will not be happening in May as they usually do.

In April, school administration and the Class of 2020 worked together to come up with contingency plans in the event that Marksmen Ball, Baccalaureate and Commencement were cancelled in May due to COVID-19. Since the May dates for these celebrations have now been officially cancelled, the “Plan B” dates are June 15-17, the three celebrations taking place over the course of three straight days. If the “Plan B” dates must also be cancelled, the “Plan C” dates are July 29-31. The administration has made it clear that they want to honor the Class of 2020 no matter the circumstances.

“We're obviously always inclined to celebrate a graduating class,” Headmaster David Dini said. “Every year we look forward to those culminating events. It's the culmination of a lot of experiences, not just for the boys but all the adults, parents, teachers and staff that have poured into the class over time. So it's an important milestone to focus on.” 

The Belo Mansion and Pavilion, the location of Marksmen Ball this year, has been lined up for both contingency dates. And the organ, which was damaged by the tornado in October, was originally supposed to be shipped to Canada for repairs early this summer but will remain in the chapel for Baccalaureate if it were to happen June 16.  

Rev. Michael Dangelo, former school chaplain, was chosen as this year’s Commencement speaker and has agreed to travel to Dallas for both of the possible backup dates — a 1600 mile trip from his home in Boston.

“Father D'angelo's a terrific guy, and I've stayed in close touch with him.” Dini said. “That's who the boys wanted to have this year, so there was a lot of excitement when I told the guys that I talked to Father Mike and he was committed to come on both those dates in the summer.” 

Senior Class President Collin Campbell recognizes the importance of these celebrations as they only come once in a Marksman’s time at the school.

“These events are super, super important to us and something that every senior Marksman should be able to experience.” Campbell said. “The administration believes that. Our class sponsors believe that. We all believe that, so we're really lucky that we've come up with these contingency plans.” 

Ensuring that Commencement occurs is especially important because it could potentially be the first community-wide event held on campus since the school’s closure.

“It's a great celebration for the whole school,” Dini said, “not just the class, but for the whole school community.”

Dini also realizes that the Class of 2020 has experienced a tremendous loss — not being able to end their St. Mark’s careers on their own terms. Their last trimester as Marksman was taken away from them.

“This time of year is a period of time when seniors really get to enjoy being together,” Dini said, “being on campus, in chapel, in assembly, in class, in the journalism suite, in the senior lounge, on the quad playing spikeball. It’s just that time that you see seniors really enjoy their final period of time on campus together.” 

But above all, the biggest loss the Class of 2020 has endured is losing each other. While the tornado in October was difficult for them, Campbell believes the quarantine has been even more difficult so far.  

“Obviously, we'd been through something similar in the fall with the tornado which disrupted things, but at least with that we could still see each other even though we didn't have school.” Campbell said. “We had it all figured out — places where we could meet and hang out and still see each other — but now that's against the law. So not only are we not at school, but we're not seeing each other.” 

Despite their loss, the seniors worked closely with the administration to come up with the aforementioned contingency plans. In fact, Dini shared a presentation regarding the contingency plans with the senior class via zoom. He was joined by Associate Headmaster John Ashton, Upper School Head Colin Igoe and Assistant Upper School Head Chris Disimile. 

“The whole administration was there, and that is a great example of the support our administration gives our students.” Campbell said. “It was great to hear that these events are going to happen no matter what.” 

After the presentation, Dini answered any of the seniors’ questions. While many of the questions related to the many details associated with these celebrations, Dini was encouraged by the seniors’ concern for others.

“One of the first questions they asked was: ‘What about Blue Shirt Day for the junior class?’” Dini said. “To me, that spoke volumes about what it means to be a Marksman. They were thinking about another class, not about the disruption to their own class activities.”

Even if the events cannot occur on the “Plan C” dates, the administration will ensure that Commencement takes place no matter what. With that said, the main priority is the students’ health and safety.

“We're not going to do anything that's going to compromise anyone's safety.” Dini said. “Without a doubt, that's obviously paramount.” 

Above all, Campbell knows that while COVID-19 and the resulting quarantine might seem extremely difficult right now, it is important to retain a sense of perspective.

“I think one positive thing about this year, with the tornado and the pandemic, is there's a heightened appreciation for not taking our time together for granted,” Campbell said, “and that's why I think once all this clears, and we're allowed to have all these events, there's going to be so much class unity, and people are going to be so motivated to spend time with one another because we've been forced to be apart for so long.”