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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Hail to the Class of 2020 Unplugged, Disrupted, but Never Defeated
My summer message is usually a tribute to the recently graduated class. For the last 13 years, I have been able to easily write such a paeon to our seniors as they leave school and move on. This year, it is a daunting endeavor.
Daunting, not because they are not a fantastic class—they are a wonderful and unique group—but because they have endured so much over the last two years and still, they emerged triumphant and undiminished. They are, indeed, exalted.
I clearly remember four years ago, on the day of their Freshman Expedition, I stood before them and tried to make some witty quip about “2020 vision” and how they would “clearly see” their way to the top. I did not get the sense that they were especially inspired, and I came to learn over the years that they were a group not easily impressed. While they indeed exhibited the expected variety of academic, athletic, creative, and leadership talents we have come to depend on at GCS, they were yet to display latent qualities that would distinguish them under the most challenging circumstances.
Facing page, from top: Greg Ventre and Michael Leavy ’20; Deseree Chacha ’20 2018–19 was a challenging year for our school, but who knew what would lie ahead in 2020? Their senior year irrevocably disrupted in March, as the rest of the world’s sense of normalcy and safety evaporated. Just as the Class of 2020 prepared for their senior spring activities, everything that made the last few months of school special—games, concerts, the All-School Relay, field placements, celebratory events, and more—was unplugged. Wrenched away was the core of our GCS experience, traditions that focused and centered us.
The Class of 2020 did not shirk, despite being forced to adapt to virtual communications, digital learning, and online events. Collectively, they rose to the challenge, embraced change, exemplified flexibility, and led the way. Along with our truly exceptional faculty and staff, the Class of 2020 helped make our Digital Dragons initiative notably successful. They had the highest rate of college acceptances at GCS in a decade and managed to share a good sense of joy and determination, despite the challenges they faced.
We know that there are far more critical challenges facing us and more significant disappointments experienced than the loss of proms, celebrations, and pomp and circumstance. Once again, the outcry against systemic injustice, racism, and violence is heard, justly louder than ever. We have perspective. We are citizens of the world. But it is still important to thank the Class of 2020, recognize their singular qualities, and remind them that these memorable months are only a small part of their lives. Indeed, these are months that will remain etched in their memories. They were asked to handle extraordinary
circumstances and triumphed. In the end, their unity, creativity, and energy turned their mobile commencement into a unique graduation festival and parade that will always be remembered.
To the Class of 2020, maybe, in the long run, you had the clearest vision of all.
Congratulations, and remember, YOU ARE ALWAYS DRAGONS!
Sincerely,
