Baccalaureate and commencement were held Friday for the 19 members of the class of 2021.

Students processed down the central aisle in the school gymnasium among friends and family.

After a year in which things changed all the time, having to relocate the celebration from the Hunter Mansion to the school was barely an inconvenience.

Faithful in their quest

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Tidioute Community Charter School senior Brayden Toomey awaits his turn to process down the aisle during commencement on Friday.

“This year was the most challenging year I’ve seen as an administrator,” CEO Dr. Doug Allen said. “Our students were good about it. Our students would listen anyway. They followed the rules. Nobody ever complained about the rules and the masks.”

“It was difficult at the beginning,” senior Ziana Young said. “But, when we got the groove of wearing masks and staying six feet apart, it wasn’t as terrible as we thought it would be.”

“This year we really pulled it together,” senior Jerry Smith said. “Last year was hectic because it all came on so suddenly.”

“I’m very happy with the way the students and the staff performed this year,” Board of Trustees President Al Haney said. “We’re very happy to be able to do what we do.”

“The disappointing thing for me is the students didn’t have all the typical sports, assemblies, and activities that Tidioute Charter is known for,” Allen said. “We’re looking forward to the fall when Tidioute Charter becomes Tidioute Charter again.”

Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Tidioute Community Charter School Salutatorian Hallie Passingham approaches the stage to applause from her classmates Friday during commencement.

Being able to gather for graduation was a big step toward normalcy.

The Tidioute Community Charter School class of 2020 had to hold its graduation virtually.

“Last year, they came in individually,” Ziana Young said. “It was terrible.”

“We’re really excited to have an actual graduation, be able to see our friends and take part,” Young said.

The students processed to the stage with a mixture of pride and humor.

To heights unmeasured

The advice from the Sister Squad – the four male core subject teachers who were invited to give the address – was to keep moving forward.

“Today is the first step.”

“Nobody in this audience is worried about you failing. They just want you to try.”

“Make your dreams come true.”

Long your light has shone

Many TCCS students spend their entire school years in the same building – it houses grades K4 through 12.

“It’s hard to believe,” Cassandra Rison said. “I’ve been here since K5.”

It was a bitter-sweet event.

“As a class, it was easy to be there for one another,” Smith said.

Graduating – “feels amazing,” Rison said. “I’m going to miss everyone. This is my big family.”