Class of 2020 Makes History!

On Friday, June 19, Appleby College’s Class of 2020 made Blue Dog history. The students, along with family, friends and faculty, celebrated their graduation from Appleby – virtually!

Appleby’s virtual Closing Day celebration included special addresses by Innes van Nostrand, Principal; Maina Ngobia ’20, Head Prefect; and Aubrey Baillie ’63, retiring Chair, Appleby College Board of Governors. A montage of congratulatory messages was also shared by numerous faculty members. 

Rounding out the event were special appearances by NBA legend Jerome “Junk Yard Dog” Williams; Team Canada Olympic hockey gold medal winner and Appleby alumna Brianne Jenner ’09; His Majesty King Constantine President of Round Square, and Her Majesty Queen Anne-Marie; and former 100m world-record-holder and Olympic champion parent of alumna Donovan Bailey. 

To help mark the special occasion, custom care packages were shipped to students around the globe while several faculty made in-person deliveries to local students. Together, graduates opened their boxes during the celebration live on Zoom. 

Contents included a congratulations lawn sign, graduation cap (the first class in the history of Appleby College ever to wear one!), a graduation class photo and an Appleby alumni-branded face mask. 

“This year will always be remembered as the one that was cut short,” said Maina Ngobia, Head Prefect. “But in the grand scheme of things we shared an unforgettable journey that will always mean the most to us no matter how short or how long. What we will remember is the power of this place – Appleby. That enabled us all to see the beauty of the people inside it.”