After passing many tests, Hood College class reaches graduation

The phrase was printed on her graduation cap along with sunflowers – her favorite flower.

Dean was one of 491 graduates of Hood College celebrated in a ceremony at the Neighborhood Saturday, ending a journey marked by massive disruption to the spring semester 2020 college experience for many.

“When I came here, I was really scared of everything,” Dean said. “And I’ve had a few experiences (that illustrate that) that we can be bigger and better — just like your dreams have to be bigger than the things you’re afraid of.”

For others, pandemic-inspired virtual learning has been an aid in completing graduate degrees.

That was the case for Rachel Shoemaker, who, according to her husband Korbin Shoemaker, juggled her full-time job as a first grade teacher at Thurmont Primary School, teaching and having two children in 2020 and 2018.

Rachel Shoemaker, 33, said she studied in the curriculum and instruction program and earned a master’s degree in education. Before the ceremony, her two children played on the grass.

“It’s impressive. I’m very proud of them,” said Korbin Shoemaker, also an FCPS official.

He said it’s easier if she doesn’t have to go to campus in person.

According to Mason Cavalier, media manager at Hood College, many graduate programs have been conducted entirely online during the pandemic and have remained so.

As the graduation ceremony began, the students entered the square and lined up in the center to hear “Can’t Help Falling in Love” played by the Hood Brass Quintet.

Then we continued up the aisle to “Pomp and Circumstance” to white chairs set up in front of a stage in front of the Coblentz Hall.

Friends, families and supporters sat or stood behind them, many with balloons and flowers.

“You passed a lot of tests, COVID tests,” Hood College President Andrea Chapdelaine said to the graduates during the ceremony. She said they have had to deal with quarantines, social distancing and nose swabs while at school.

“And yet, despite all these obstacles, here you are. You managed. I know I speak for everyone here when I say, “Well done and bravo,” she said.

The graduating class represents 11 countries and 22 states, she added. According to Cavalier, flags representing the countries of the graduates were placed around the ceremony.

Chapdelaine presented Judith E. Messina, chair of the college’s board of trustees, with an honorary doctorate for her work in support of the school, she said.

Chapdelaine also announced the retirement status of Laura Moore, a sociology professor, to spontaneous applause.

Alexis Ogren, spokeswoman for the graduate school, praised her fellow students’ ability to multitask.

“Many return to the classroom to pursue higher education while also working full-time, being parents, caring for family members, being supportive spouses and partners, or seeking a new career later in life,” Ogren said.

Opening speaker Ron Young, a former Maryland state senator and former mayor of Frederick, also received an honorary doctorate.

In his speech, Young said students should make a list of things they want to do in life.

“I challenge you to achieve your dreams,” Young said. “Pursue things that make you happy. Love and support your family. Live the life. Love life. Give to your community.”

Students at various organizations wore black robes and robes with tassels around their necks.

Some added color to their caps, such as pink feathers and silver overlays.

Dean’s statement referred to her pride in being actively involved during her time at Hood, from the board of directors of the Modeling Club to the African & Caribbean Student Union.

“I never thought I would be on the board of a club,” she said.

Another student, Caroline Narvaez, 22, majoring in law and criminal justice, wore a cap that read, “Be a beacon in someone’s darkness.”

Narvaez said she was doing an internship at the prosecutor’s office and hopes to advocate for victims of domestic violence.

“I want to do victim advocacy, so I want to be the light in the darkness of others,” Narvaez said.

For Katelynn Morgan, 21, an integrated marketing communications student, the day was an emotional moment for a reason.

Morgan hugged her grandfather Shawn Stephens and shed a tear.

Morgan said her grandfather told her he was proud of her and was touched that he had a stroke three weeks ago.

“He shouldn’t have been here today,” Morgan said. “Seeing him here today is just so emotional.”