Despite the difficulties of finishing high school in the midst of the pandemic, students like Daniela France, Michelle Tejada and Sayed Anwar graduated last month. They spoke to Bushwick Daily about their year, graduation and what they’re doing next.

Daniela France’s graduation ceremony, like so many others, featured masks, spaced-out seating and a limited number of invitations per student. After over a year of online learning and COVID-19 regulations, she received her diploma on June 23 from the Math, Engineering, and Science Charter Academy (MESA Charter High School). 

The graduation ceremony was split in two to limit crowds, which prevented friends from seeing one another walk across the stage. However, it was a better deal than last year, when the seniors received their diplomas, caps and gowns but couldn’t have a graduation ceremony. To rectify this, the school held a ceremony this year for the Class of 2020, for which Daniela says a lot of people returned.