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Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Congratulations Class of 2021! How you act now will guide our community in the future
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the final stretch, rounded the last corner, and you are about to become the Central High School graduating Class of 2021. Despite the COVID-19 madness that swirls around us, forcing us to close schools, I can promise that you will be given the opportunity to graduate from Central High School as the Class of 2021. I know, and your parents and families know, that you are disappointed, upset, confused and sad — this is not how your senior year was supposed to go. You’re potentially missing out on being able to enjoy the final months of your senior year — hanging out with your friends and dream-
Dear Class of 2021: Wow! It seems it was just 2020 and you were thinking, “At least this isn’t my senior year.” Now here we are looking back on a year when you, too, were robbed by the pandemic — robbed of closeness; robbed of freedoms; robbed of regular season sports, homecoming, class trips and prom. But while COVID impacted
During the National Honor Society induction held in the school gymnasium Thursday, April 21, Kenston Forest School Head of School, Lori Bacon, announced the Class of 2021 valedictorian, salutatorian and historian.
VALEDICTORIAN Austin McKall Dornak, daughter of LJ and Kim Dornak of South Hill, was named valedictorian. Austin is a member of the National Honor Society, Rotary Interact, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Pep Club and varsity volley-
ing about one last summer before you all head in different directions. You may have lost experiences like competing with your classmates on sports or academic teams or the chance to attend senior prom. It is natural that you may be feeling sad. This situation has certainly created a sense of loss. However, you will have a Senior Class Night, and you will have an in-person graduation ceremony in which your families can participate. With what you have experienced over the years, and especially now, you are not rookies in the game of life. You are veterans, with a lot of playing time left, and plenty more to learn and share with others. One of our school
Charles M. Berkley Jr. district promises is that our students will graduate from high school ready for a career, college and life. You’re ready, and everyone in the Lunenburg school system is going to do everything in our power to help you get to the finish line
which is only days away. A century ago, the world was struggling to rebuild from the devastation of World War I and a worldwide pandemic. What they learned then is guiding our actions and response to the current pandemic of COVID-19. Guess what? How you react and act now will certainly guide our community in the future when the next crisis reveals itself. I am proud of your dedication and resolve. I admire your ability to face adversity and keep moving forward. While it may not be the senior year you had dreamed of, it will be your senior year, unique among your peers, and you will reap the rewards. Stay
flexible, stay patient and be ready for your next chapter. Remember, you are not only members of Central’s graduating Class of 2021, you are also members of the Lunenburg community. This is your home, regardless of where you end up living, studying and working. We enjoy watching you learn and grow and look forward to seeing you succeed in all you choose to do. Good luck, and remember that “There is nothing larger than the Heart of a Charger!” Charger Pride!!
Charles M. Berkley Jr. Division Superintendent Lunenburg County Public Schools
You stood up to COVID and you won your daily lives, you didn’t let it defeat you. You fought back and found a way to coexist with the coronavirus. You committed to wearing a mask and distancing, and you signed a pledge to do all within your power to protect each other. You stood up to COVID, and you won. We were together, in-person, for most of your senior year. And while you missed important events, you
found plenty of “silver linings.” You showed resiliency and strength, pride in your school and care for one another — traits that I pray you will hold onto tightly as you take the next steps after Kenston Forest. I am so proud of the young people you are and look forward with great excitement to all that lies ahead. You, like the class before you, are forever changed by your experience
— but you own the change. Make it a positive one. Look back with fond memories, look forward with great anticipation, and remember that you will always have a home and great love at the little school that helped to build you. Much love, Lori Bacon Kenston Forest School Head of School
Lori Bacon
Kenston’s top three students named HISTORIAN
University of Alabama, University of South Carolina, James Madison University, N.C. State and University of Texas at Austin. She will attend the University of Texas at Austin in the fall.
SALUTATORIAN Austin McKall Dornak ball and soccer teams. She has participated in the Model General Assembly and has served as the sophomore class treasurer and senior class president. Dornak has been accepted to the
Geoffrey Ian Tozzi was named salutatorian. He is the son of Dr. Michael and Angela Tozzi of South Hill. Geoffrey is a member of the National Honor Society and the Scholastic Bowl, forensics and golf teams. He has participated in the Model General Assembly and has served as the freshman class treasurer, sophomore class presi-
Geoffrey Ian Tozzi dent, Student Government Association vice president and Student Government Association president. He is an Eagle Scout. Tozzi has been accepted early decision and will attend the College of William & Mary in the fall.
Catherine Grace Coover was named historian. She is the daughter of Jeff Nelson and Dr. Kelly Vernon of Speedwell. Grace is a member of the National Honor Society, Rotary Interact and forensics team. She has participated in the Model General Assembly and has served as a KFS student ambassador and junior class vice-president. She was selected by her peers to represent Kenston Forest School at the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership program. Coover has been accepted to Christopher Newport University and Virginia Tech. She
Catherine Grace Coover will attend Virginia Tech in the fall. Dornak and Tozzi will deliver their speeches and Coover will deliver the history of the Class of 2021 during commencement exercises Friday, June 4, at Kenston Forest School.
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