Q. Is the virtual Commencement live?
A. Parts will be live, and parts are pre-recorded.
Q. Where will it be?
A. Mr. Gemmell will be out on Brown Field just as he would in a non-virtual ceremony. In case of rain, he'll be in Lord House. But graduates, families, and friends will be viewing from the comfort of home across the country and across the world!
Q. Will a video of the ceremony be posted so I can watch it later?
A. Yes, but we hope you'll also plan to watch live with your family. There are some special aspects of this virtual Commencement ceremony that we know you're going to love. Event link: https://youtu.be/aHoUW_gtJIA
Q. Will the graduates and their families be on camera?
A. No. This ceremony will be in a webinar format, which means you will be able to view the ceremony, but you won't be on screen. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy—you will not be on camera.
Q. Does that mean I don't have to dress up?
A. A good question to discuss at home—your call!
Q. Starting at 10 a.m. Eastern is early for some people.
A. The 10 a.m. Eastern time was the best spot we could find to accommodate all time zones for Brewster graduates around the globe. We realize it is not ideal for everyone. Some folks will be setting their alarm early and others might be drinking an espresso to stay up past their bedtimes—but we did our best to make it possible for all of our students and families to watch live if they choose to. Alternatively, the ceremony will be available to watch anytime following the event.
Q. Can I invite other people to the virtual Commencement?
A. Definitely! We hope that you will. One of the advantages of a virtual ceremony is that you can invite family and friends who would not have been able to make the trip to Wolfeboro. Just give them this link and they'll have the info they need to connect to the live ceremony: brewsteracademy.org/Classof2020. We’ve also created an announcement that you can download and email to loved ones in jpg or pdf format.
Q. Will the faculty be in the ceremony?
A. Unfortunately, we were not able to replicate the live faculty procession. But they will be watching from their homes along with you!
Q. Will we receive Zoom invitations?
No, the virtual ceremony is not being hosted in a Zoom chat. It will be webinar style via YouTube. Webinar-style means that students, families, and their guests can sit back, relax and watch without being on camera. Anyone who goes to this link will be able to watch the ceremony. To invite people to the ceremony, just give them this link and they'll have the info they need to connect to the live ceremony on May 23 at 10 a.m. Eastern: brewsteracademy.org/Classof2020. We’ve also created an announcement that you can download and email to loved ones in jpg or pdf format.
Q. Will the graduates' names be read during the ceremony?
A. Yes. Per a long-standing Brewster tradition, the recipient of the yearbook dedication (who is selected by the students!) will read the graduates’ names.
Q. How long is the ceremony?
A. We have streamlined the ceremony to the components that students and families said they most wanted to see—hoping to keep it to around 90 minutes, plus a can’t-miss senior slideshow.
Q. Are there Brewster graphics or photos we can use to create our at-home celebration?
A. Yes! Click here to view graphics, emblems, and campus photos that you are welcome to download and use to create photo backgrounds or other fun grad party items!
Q. Are there plans for an on-site Commencement and opportunity for students to walk the stage?
A. We are definitely committed to offering an on-campus celebration and chance for students to walk the stage when it is safe to do so. We have several ideas based on feedback we've received and will keep you posted!