Parents hold a backyard graduation ceremony

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Many students in the East Meadow School District could not graduate with their class in a typical ceremony this year, with most schools having to opt for virtual presentations instead.

Several parents worked together to give their children a backyard graduation ceremony, complete with a mock stage and Pomp and Circumstance playing on a loud speaker. The parents watched as an announcer read the names of the students and they walked across a red carpet, one by one, to receive a mock diploma.

“It turned out to be the most wonderful celebration, with the boys walking the red carpet, parents giving emotional speeches, taking pictures . . . ,” said Patsy Mustafich, one of the parent organizers. “It was simply a night we will all remember forever.”

The day ended with a slideshow of pictures capturing the friends’ favorite memories from school.

Included in the ceremony was McVey Elementary School Kindergarten graduate Sebastian Mustafich and Woodland Middle School graduates Aiden Mustafich, Lucas Rodriguez, Sammy Abrons, Rod Rodriguez, Evan Weinstein and Anthony Rodriguez.