Schools across the nation have had to get creative with their commencement ceremonies amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Richard S. Adler Early Childhood Learning Center in Maitland is no exception. The preschool, part of The Roth Family JCC, held its pre-k graduation on May 20 in the parking lot of the JCC, which remains closed to the public until June 1.

Teachers Anna Schwartz and Marie Venturelli (back) celebrate with proud mom Nicole Szafran and new grad Brooklyn. The parking lot graduation was a first for the Richard S. Adler Early Childhood Learning Center in Maitland.

A small gathering of families cheered on the graduates as they marched across the parking lot one by one, wearing face masks and obeying all social distancing protocols, to receive their diplomas. All children had a moment to chat with their teachers, followed by more cheers and applause from the proud families.

"Seeing their smiles underneath their masks and watching them walk up to get their diplomas was absolutely priceless," K4 teacher Irene Wieder said. "This is what it is all about: Being here for these children and their families."

Parent Yamit Rashkind, whose son David was among the newly minted ECLC alumni, agreed. "It wasn't what we envisioned David's graduation to be, but it was beautiful."

In all, 63 families, teachers and administrators took part in the graduation ceremony.