To the Senior Class of 2020

It happened in one moment, but it took 12 years. They graduated high school that day. A short walk across the stage, quick smile for the camera, and the diploma became theirs. There were laughs and tears, friends and relatives, there had been months of planning and a plethora of invitations sent out. But on that day, it was over. They got that moment of pride and satisfaction, that speech that challenged them to make a difference, those hugs from loved ones that wished them well. They graduated high school with a bang.

Class of 2020, you have also worked hard for 12 years, but you may never get that moment. Last year, as juniors, you watched the senior group take a bow and toss their caps in the air, dreaming of the day when you might do the same. Now, so many of us are faced with the reality that those dreams won’t come true. There has never been a perfect graduation, but at least others get a graduation. Yeah, it feels like we are missing out due to unprecedented times. This senior class, however, might actually have something better: an opportunity. In a world full of fear, we can be the hope. In an unprecedented time we can blaze a trail forward.

Seniors, I cannot tell you anything you haven’t already heard, but I can remind you of it. You are amazing. You are strong. And with or without a graduation to prove it, you are loved. You don’t get a specific celebration, so make life your celebration. Live each day remembering your accomplishments and looking forward to the new ones. Our world is in desperate need of strong leaders. It is up to us to make a powerful change, to bring the light of Christ to bear on darkness. I challenge you to make an impact. You wont leave high school with the traditional bang, but you can make one wherever you land. Maybe they don’t know our names today, but we, class of 2020, will not be forgotten.