Little did we know that when my son’s senior year began that it would be ending the way it did just a few months later. There was so much uncertainty surrounding the planning of their graduation ceremony due to the Coronavirus, but I have to say…it was AMAZING!! Our school system, as well as many others around the country, went above and beyond to send these graduates off with a day to remember and that’s exactly what they received!!
Everything was done virtually and they hired a videographer to capture all of their special moments from Baccalaureate, class night, moving their tassels as a graduate, throwing their caps up in the air, speeches from their Valedictorians and other honor graduates. All of which we were able to watch live streamed in the comfort of our own homes.
The most memorable moment of all though was the graduation parade. Our community lined the streets in support of all 143 seniors. Every where you looked they were cheering them on. Some had made signs, some had streamers with confetti and airhorns…haha!! As we drove through the Primary, Elementary, Middle and High School, the graduates were greeted by teachers and staff members cheering and congratulating them all. It was really something special to experience and to feel the outpouring of love our little community had for our graduates. Our local radio station showed up for our seniors in a big way too by broadcasting live during the parade and videoing each graduate at the end of the parade as they walked across the stage one final time to receive their diplomas. It was a total community effort and I know I speak for all of the parents in saying…we appreciate everything that was done for our kids.
Although, finishing the school year out virtually was not what they had envisioned, it all worked out in the end. Not being able to play their favorite sport as a senior and say their final goodbye’s to their favorite teachers, staff members and friends was probably the most disappointing part of it all. I’m sure that had they known that the last day they left that school building was truly their last day there, they would have done things differently. Let this be a lesson to all of us to live life to it’s fullest and not take anyone or anything for granted. Things can change in an instant as we have witnessed in these past few months.
I was reminded of something I saw on Facebook a few months ago when all of this began. This group of kids were born into a time of tragedy while our country was grieving over 9/11 and now presently, their “birth to adulthood” also comes during a time of tragedy during this pandemic. Although their two biggest moments were tainted by the world’s tragedies…these kids have shown that they are resilient and will conquer anything that comes their way. Although this was a different kind of graduation, one thing is for sure…the Class of 2020 definitely made history and will forever be remembered as the “Corona Class.”
Best of luck to all of the graduates everywhere…we can’t wait to see how you soar!!!
Blessings,
Dina
