This post is adapted from my graduation remarks to the Shrewsbury High School Class of 2021
Usually, you seniors are begging for snow days because you don’t have to make them up at the end of the year, but as you know, this was a very different kind of year. Little did you know back in early March 2020 that I would be calling a “no school day” because of concerns about a virus, followed by not returning to school for the rest of your junior year and then attending school in-person on alternating days or entirely from home for most or all of your senior year. As was mentioned at last night’s Commemoration, this year part of “senioritis” was actually wanting to come to school more often, and thank goodness that became possible.
Of course, forecasting the weather doesn’t compare to the frustrations we all felt with not being able to forecast the evolution of a pandemic that has affected all of us deeply – and too many tragically due to the loss of loved ones. I truly wish that your high school experience wasn’t interrupted and impacted in so many difficult ways that were beyond your control. As a result of the circumstances, many important decisions needed to be made about how we would educate you and all of our students from preschool through high school during this long-duration health emergency. I am quite sure that there were times when my decisions were imperfect and caused you frustration and difficulties, and for that I am sorry. I think it is important to commend you for persevering through it all, to commend your families for supporting you, and to commend all of the Shrewsbury educators and support staff who worked incredibly hard to adapt in order to meet your needs to the best of their abilities. I will be forever grateful for everything that all of you – students, families, and school staff – did to navigate through these challenges, and I ask that you all take a moment to cheer and applaud one another for your extraordinary efforts during what has been an extraordinary time.
This past year has indeed been extraordinary, and your experiences have become a part of the person you are now and will influence the person you will become. I have no doubt that you are better equipped to adapt to challenges, and that you are better able to respond to the reality that things can change quickly and drastically. As the pandemic is (hopefully) coming to a close, there are still an abundance of challenges to take on, and our society needs thoughtful and motivated young people like you to use what you have learned from your families, from your friends, from school, and from these extraordinary experiences of the past year to make a positive difference.
So, here is my final forecast for the Class of 2021. I’m predicting you will live lives that model respect and kindness; that use the knowledge and skills you have learned to make significant contributions to the well-being of others and your community; and that make a positive difference for those who are fortunate to receive your friendship and love. I wish you the brightest of skies ahead, and I am confident that after this year that you have what it takes to weather the inevitable storms. Godspeed, and congratulations Class of 2021!
