TOM WILLIAMS: To the Class of 2020 -- 'Well done!'

When you think back to your years in high school and which moments were among the most memorable, you may recall the first day of your senior year and the special feeling knowing that at the end of the school year, a major milestone would be realized as you walked across the stage with your diploma in hand and moved into the first stage of adulthood and independence.

Others will think about a peak learning experience with that special teacher in their favorite subject, a special performance, the first college acceptance letter, a championship season, completing that important FAFSA application, or maybe meeting that person who became your lifelong best friend.

For high schools, as one of our society’s most significant public institutions, the most important event of the year, hands down, is Graduation Day. This day is the opportunity our schools, families, and communities have to publicly elevate and celebrate each individual student and their class for the many individual accomplishments and class achievements.

For our 100,000 plus graduates in our Class of 2020, as well as their parents, families, teachers and administrators, they’ve had to confront head on the realities and restrictions caused by COVID-19.

As a result, how to celebrate our seniors on this long anticipated day required creativity, flexibility, and even grace to assure our Class of 2020 and their many achievements were rightfully recognized and celebrated in a manner they deserved.

From parades and yard signs, to virtual speeches and drive through awarding of diplomas, local schools and their communities have done their level best to assure our Class of 2020 knew their accomplishments were valued and that their resilience in facing the regrettable impact on the final quarter of their senior year was honored.

To our Class of 2020, well done!

Also, best wishes as you take the valuable lessons learned throughout your time leading to graduation and may you use these to inspire and guide you in all future endeavors as you chart your course to self-fulfillment and personal success.

Out of respect for our Class of 2021, let’s be vigilant as a state as we continue the fight against COVID-19 and when in public, let’s wear our mask, keep our social distance when needed, and yes, wash our hands frequently so in June 2021, we can return to an in-person Graduation Day that every student deserves to experience.