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Like many other institutions across the country, Notre Dame High School in San Jose has been forced to make changes because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote learning, a nontraditional prom and a toned-down graduation are among the adjustments the students have had to face.
However, for the class of 2020, Notre Dame administrators and teachers wanted to make the seniors’ last few weeks of high school feel special. Principal Mary Beth Riley and the teachers assembled and delivered more than 150 gift bags for this year’s graduating seniors.
Riley loaded her SUV with a crate of gift bags about noon May 12, then headed out to deliver the gifts. The first stop was the home of Kadence Martinez, 17, on the north side of the city. Riley planted a lawn sign that congratulated the class of 2020 on the front yard of the Martinez home and dropped the bag off on the door step. That’s where a surprised Kadence spotted and opened the package.
The bags were filled with goodies such as the student’s cap and gown, a class photo, a commemorative face mask and yard sign. The gift was tied together together with a pink rose.
The school will hold a virtual graduation in June.