Holt High School staff provides home graduation

Chloe Sherman is a senior at Holt High School, and like all seniors, she has been looking forward to her graduation day for a long time.

Sadly, Chloe’s mom Marilyn had terminal cancer, and the prognosis was that she wouldn’t make it to graduation in May.

Holt Principal John Waters, assistant principal Dr. Amanda Shelmire, and teachers Stephanie Aubuchon and Eleyth Rowan-Domico decided that if Chloe’s mom could not make it to graduation, they would take the graduation to her.

“During a very difficult time for the family, we were all happy to help fulfill a parent’s wish and make a lasting memory for Chloe,” Shelmire said.

The Holt staff provided the “pomp and circumstance” and brought cake, balloons, and a cap and gown for the in-home graduation ceremony. Less than two weeks after the visit, Marilyn passed away.

“It was a tough thing, but I think that’s what schools need to do. We need to be personable and do things for our parents as well as our students,” Waters said. “It was tough, but it was beautiful at the same time.”

Wade Sherman, Chloe’s dad, was very appreciative of the efforts of the Holt staff members, and shared the following letter:

“In a day and age when our news is not much more than a daily highlight reel of the latest crime, disaster, or something done or gone wrong, I’d like to acknowledge and express my sincere gratitude to the faculty and the Holt High School administrators for showing this community what kindness and service is all about. Three weeks ago, understanding that a devoted mother to one of ‘their’ special education senior students was about to lose her battle with cancer and would very likely miss graduation ceremonies at the end of the school year, they took it upon themselves to prepare and present, at our home, by her bedside, a private graduation ceremony complete with photos and graduation cake. It was a very special moment for us. I’m forever thankful to them for their kindness.”