They waited a long time for it and this week, spring and summer graduates from North Georgia Technical College finally got their big day.
The college held a drive-thru graduation ceremony Wednesday morning on its main campus in Clarkesville.
More than 150 students were scheduled to graduate. Many did. The bright sunshine and enthusiastic atmosphere brought an energy back to the campus which has been sorely lacking since COVID-19 forced it to close back in March and classes shifted online.
Jeannie Barrett, who works in NGTC’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness, says it was great having the students back on campus. “Without students here, it’s like an empty shell.”
Barrett was one of the many staff and faculty members who turned out Wednesday to greet and cheer on the graduates. Graduates donned their caps and gowns and arrived at the ceremony in cars, trucks, and SUVs. Some were alone, but most had family and friends accompanying them.
As they made the half-mile trek through campus, vehicles stopped at four different stations to register, pick up personalized graduation yard signs, gift bags, and water. The only time they got out of their vehicles was to walk on stage to receive their diploma.
NGTC Vice-President of College and Community Relations Amy Hulsey called it “a great day for North Georgia Tech.”
“These students have worked so hard. We really wanted to make sure that we recognized them and gave them their time to get their diploma and have some spotlight, so, we’re so excited that we could do this.”
Hulsey says she was especially moved by the young children who came to see their moms and dads graduate. “It’s just been so moving just to see that they have earned this and how much it means for them just to get their diploma in their hands and celebrate.”
North Georgia Tech also hosted a drive-thru graduation for students at its Blairsville campus Wednesday night.
