EDITORIAL: Congrats, Class of 2020

Published 10:08 am Wednesday, May 20, 2020

When this year’s graduating seniors started this school year, their minds no doubt grew eager with anticipation of all the memories they would make this year, the moments they would remember for years and years to come. That all changed midway through the 2019-2020 school term. Everything changed for everyone amid the global pandemic. This weekend was to mark the first of the local in-person high school graduations, but this first ceremony will instead by virtual with hopes of a more formal program later this summer. Despite the changes, nothing can take away what these students have accomplished and what they’ve overcome this year. It’s certainly commendable how they have pushed forward and made the necessary adjustments the pandemic has forced upon them and what it has taken away — final athletic seasons, accolades, prom and all the traditional rites of passage. 

Despite all that has been lost during your senior year, you’ve worked hard for this moment and you deserve all the praise. Remember also that many people have played pivotal roles in helping graduates achieve this goal. Don’t forget them — your teachers, mentors, coaches and parents — you wouldn’t be where you are at this very moment without their positive influence and their guiding hand. 

Remember that as this journey ends, another begins. 

The work isn’t over as you prepare for college, technical school, the military, the workforce or other endeavors. Everything that you’ve done up until this point has been in preparation for this next significant step — don’t forget that. 

When members of the Class of 2020 look back on their senior year, we hope that they reflect on this moment with a matter of perspective. Life is sometimes filled with setbacks and adversity, this year’s events are a prime example. This year is but one chapter in the book of your lives. There are lessons to be learned from all of this. You’ve reached quite a milestone, and that’s certainly reason to celebrate — albeit from a distance. But remember, through hard work, perseverance and focus, there will no doubt be many more great milestones yet to achieve. 

Congratulations, Class of 2020 — on to the next chapter.