To the Class of 2020

It seems so strange; I can’t believe it’s been 4 whole years. You see, while for you, this is the culmination of your public school career, it is a milestone of sorts for me too. Four years ago I became a Bronc just like you. And this is the most former students I’ve ever had in one graduating class before. So, I voluntarily wore that suffocating “rubber” mask and used much more hand sanitizer than I prefer to breathe in not because I am a good Samaritan-I’m sure you are shocked- but because I needed to say “goodbye,” and the opportunities for this were bit limited this year. And, hopefully, I didn’t mess up your cap decorations helping you get your mask on.

As I watched you walk across that stage today, I was flooded with memories. Wow! You were quite the freshman class! Smart, loud, fun, energetic, definitely mischievous. What a ride! I will say that teaching you was never dull. And over these past few years, I’ve so enjoyed watching you grow into the excellent “young adults” you are today. If I were to choose one word to define your class, it would definitely be “fighters”. In the last 3 years, you have weathered many storms: accidents, injuries, illnesses, surgeries, set backs, failures (and successes), divorces, break-ups, tragedies, difficult home lives and silent battles you fought all alone. In the end, you never gave up. Your feistiness I may have battled a bit when you were 14 definitely served you well as you fought past any adversity to achieve this goal.

So, while you are given credit by the media and others for being the class who survived the Corona Virus, I know that you survived so much more. While this truly has been a trying time, some of you were already fighting much bigger battles. Yes, we all celebrated a bit today just because we got to be together when others weren’t allowed; Some of you celebrated achieving high honors, and some of you simply celebrated doing something people (family, teachers, even you) weren’t sure you would accomplish. So, I would like to say, “Congratulations” and “Hats off to you”. I am truly sad I missed seeing you these last few months, and I know you are going to do great things.