Since 2017, the College and Career team at the McCaskey Campus has hosted an annual celebration for SDoL’s college bound seniors and their families. In previous years, the College Send-off has been an in-person event with food, guest speakers, gifts for every student, and the handing out of luggage donated by members of the community. This year, predictably, things are going to look a little different.
“With the obvious restrictions on in-person gatherings due to Covid-19, we have had to get a little creative this year”, said Dr. Jeremy Raff, Coordinator of College and Career Services for the District. He added, “It’s been incredible to see the way our district staff and community partners have stepped up to give our seniors the send-off they deserve”. Several SDoL employees past and present have contributed gift cards used to purchase school supplies and other items for the students, and in the midst of a pandemic, where donated luggage is not an option, local higher education partner PCAD has provided six brand new suitcases to be raffled off.
The main portion of the College Send-off this year will take place virtually, on Monday, August 10. Seniors logging on to the Zoom will hear opening remarks from Superintendent Dr. Rau, as well as webinar sessions on success in the first year of college, delivered by professors from another local partner, Millersville University. Students who attend the virtual session will be entered into the raffle to win one of the six suitcases. The following day, students may drop by the rear of McCaskey East High School any time between 9am and 4pm to pick up a “college care package” gift bag and hear the cheers of encouragement of a College and Career team committed to celebrating the class of 2020, pandemic or not.
Students planning to participate can RSVP to Phil Jago at pcjago@sdlancaster.org.