CLAY COUNTY – Despite teaching from afar and only getting brief glimpses of her students, Fond Turner believes the just-completed school year at Clay Virtual Academy was her most gratifying of all.

Forced into a virtual setting by preexisting health conditions and the threat of COVID-19, Turner had to rely on making important connections with her first-grade students through a camera, while challenging them to learn.

Turner and kindergarten teacher Lerin DeMedici celebrated the combined graduation of 37 students.

Turner’s been able to see her class in limited outdoor functions, but graduation was the first time she noticed how much her students embraced – and succeeded – during trying times.

“This year’s been rough,” Turner said. “It’s been rough, especially on the kids.”

Turner was amazed at how her students responded. They not only endured long hours behind a computer screen, but they also found a way to manage their focus on learning.

The more knowledgeable they got, the more comfortable they were with their situation. It was like watching an animal waking up from a hibernating slumber.

“We decided we would do some educational game days and see if they would come in once a week and meet with us, and they did,” Turner said. “So towards the end of the year, it got a lot better. At the beginning of the year, they were still very hesitant, and it was still there was still a lot of that going around.”

That awakening is what Turner will remember most.

“It's been fun watching them as they learn and grow and you know, the more interaction that we did even on the computer, the more they seemed to succeed, you know? All things considered, it was my best year.”

Graduation at CVA typically is for kindergarten students, but first-grade teacher Naomi Turner and DeMedici wanted to recognize last year’s students who missed out due to COIVD-19 restrictions.

“We were unable to hold a traditional graduation the past two years, so we wanted to include first graders who missed out,” Turner said.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, students entertained a packed room with “This Land is Your Land.” First graders Mikayla Sauk and Jakirra Robertson gave a brief speech about taking your hat off in respect of the American flag. The entire class then sang a song called “Hats Off.” Students were called-up individually to accept their diplomas and pose for pictures. CVA assistant Linda Garcia ended the program by thanking.Turner and DeMedici and learning coaches for their assistance in helping make their children and grandchildren successful this school year and encouraged each student to hug their coaches.

After the ceremony, students took home their choice of a book and a bookmark to continue their studies during the summer.