North Branford Intermediate School's (NBIS) eighth grade Class of 2020 was celebrated during a June 9 virtual promotion ceremony followed by a June 10 promotional car processional in which every student was celebrated by their public school family on the way to receiving their promotional certificate from Board of Education chairman Shawna Papa Holzer.

With COVID-19 restrictions barring a traditional program this year, the NBIS faculty and staff went above and beyond to create"...a memorable experience for our students," said NBIS principal Keith O'Rourke.

Sunny skies above and the backdrop of a huge American flag raised by the North Branford Fire Department's ladder truck framed the June 10 car processional. Vehicles decorated with purple and white balloons, posters and pictures of 8th graders, cheered on by faculty and staff along the sidewalk outside the school, on their way to the promotional certificate distribution tent. There, each member of the class was announced by O'Rourke and greeted by Superintendent of Schools Scott Schoonmaker. Staff cheered, threw purple confetti and wave pom poms as each grad arrived. The students stepped out of their vehicles with family to be photographed receiving their promotion certificate from Papa Holzer in front of a large, purple and white congratulatory banner.

The processional followed the June 9 airing of NBIS Virtual Promotion Ceremony at 6 p.m., which included speeches, recognition of special school and team level awards and the presentation of the 8th grade class.