Celebrating siblings' graduation

CASTALIA — Townsend Community School provides students residing in Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Lorain, Sandusky and Seneca counties with an alternative high school option. Through a blended learning model, students learn through a combination of in-person attendance and remote learning. For many students, Townsend provides a second chance to overcome challenges that life has thrown their way. Townsend students have the opportunity to graduate at any given time of the year. When a student has completed all of the required courses while meeeting various state testing requirements, then this person become a graduate whether that is in September, January or May. The graduation ceremonies at Townsend are individualized and personal in which graduates are joined by their family, friends, teachers, school administrators and school support staff. The focus is solely on that particular graduate for 10 to 15 minutes. Students wear a traditional cap and gown while they ring a large bell that signifies reaching the finish line of high school. After moving their tassel from their right side to their left, the student is presented with their high school diploma, which is followed by an opportunity to take photos with family and friends in front of a graduation mural painted by local artist Beth Sage. On Tuesday, Townsend had the unique opportunity to celebrate the graduation of three siblings from the Norwalk area. Twin sisters Damia and DeAngela McCarty both recently completed their final requirements to become 2024 Townsend Community School graduates. Additionally, they were joined by their older brother, Joseph McCarty. Joseph became a Townsend Community School graduate in 2020 during the height of COVID-19. Due to the requirements to quarantine and maintain distance from other people, Joseph never received his moment to shine and ring the graduation bell. On Tuesday, that moment finally came to fruition as Joseph was given the opportunity to celebrate his graduation and share in this special moment with his twin sisters. This moment brought great joy to the three siblings, their family and friends, and the staff of Townsend Community School. It is a moment like this that remind us of why we exist as educators. We strive to help students believe in themselves, to overcome obstacles and to move forward with hope for a bright future beyond high school.