More than 115 faculty, staff, students, family and friends gathered in a video conference last week as SJC Long Island’s graduating child study majors took part in a virtual Teacher Pledge Ceremony, declaring their commitment to the profession of teaching and to their future students.
“Today’s Teacher Pledge Ceremony offers us an opportunity to celebrate this moment of completion, anticipation, and of you joining the ranks of fellow educators,” said Maureen Del Monico, assistant professor of child study.
“Especially in these uncertain times, you have shown such a good spirit,” Del Monico added. “Your adaptability and openness to learn in new ways inspires all of us.”
Despite the current physical distancing policies in place, child study faculty members were determined to host the bi-annual ceremony virtually, acknowledging this important step in the graduating students’ journey to become teachers.
Students stood and recited the pledge out loud together, some with their parents holding balloons and cheering behind them.
“The whole St. Joseph’s College community and our child study department wish you nothing but the best,” Del Monico said. “To be a member of the teaching profession continues to be one of the most notable human endeavors, and you are well prepared to take your place among the educators who have inspired and encouraged you.”
The chat section of the Zoom event flooded with an outpouring of happiness, gratitude and pride from the seniors, thankful for their classmates and professors, as well as from faculty.
“Thank you to all of you for helping us along our journey at SJC,” Danielle Volinski said. “We appreciate the help, knowledge and belief in us that you had!”
Kylie Walsh, missing her fellow classmates, added that “it’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.”
What a fitting way to end the semester during #TeacherAppreciationWeek by celebrating our graduating teachers with their Teacher Pledge Ceremony @SJCNY Congratulations ?? pic.twitter.com/ivTvTTODcY
— Karen Megay-Nespoli (@drkarenn) May 7, 2020
