The academic year 2020 to 2021 was extraordinary on a scale like never before: virtual classes, technology challenges, digital fatigue, and the looming uncertainty of a future shadowed by the burden of the pandemic.

But with the progress of mass-vaccination and the consequent reduction in Covid-19 cases, life — as it were known in the pre-pandemic era — showed signs of regeneration. One of these symbols of social revival was the graduation ceremonies for the class of 2021.

In a crisis that engulfed the world, here are 10 pictures that encapsulate the light at the end of the tunnel just over a year later:

1) Ineffable Empathy: Students are spaced apart as they stand on the field at Fenway Park at Northeastern University 2021 Commencement in Boston:

2) Historic Legacy: Britney Nathan, of Uniondale, gets ready to receive her medical degree from Hofstra's School of Medicine. Nathan is the first student from the School of Medicine's Medical Scholars Pipeline Program to go through graduation and advance to residency:

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3) Lasting Gratitude: A graduate’s cap with a message to thank their family at a ceremony for the California State University of Long Beach:

4) Undying Activism: A graduate sits on the fountain in Washington Square Park, New York on May 19, 2021:

5) Pioneering Leadership: Elizabeth Breznay, a first-generation graduate with Cerebral Palsy, waits in the family yard to have photos taken with family before her graduation. Breznay was chosen to present the graduate address at her commencement:

6) Waves Of Change: Students from Colegio Felix Rodriguez de la Fuente swap their graduation venue with a beach to create a safer, socially-distanced ceremony:

7) Unceasing Ingenuity: The Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School band performs at the school's graduation ceremony by simultaneously wearing masks and playing wind instruments:

8) Generational Connections: A Jackson State Class of 1970 graduate, wears a face mask during a special graduation ceremony on the historically black campus:

9) A Mural Of Dreams: Graduates of Hubei University of Arts and Science look for their own pictures in front of a photo wall:

10) Surpassing Triumph: United States Air Force Academy graduates cheer as the US Air Force Thunderbirds fly over the graduation for the Class of 2021 at Falcon Stadium: