Congratulations Class of 2020! The final weeks of senior year are bittersweet; it is the ending of an era and marks the beginning of a new chapter. During this time, there are many countdowns and “final” moments: days until prom, the final sporting event or musical performance, Baccalaureate Mass, the last day of high school, the last walk down the halls, and the biggest moment, graduation. The class of 2020 did not get to have these experiences, at least not in the traditional way. Their graduation ceremony was originally planned for May 27th. As the date approached, it became apparent that the celebration would have to be postponed in order to follow social distancing guidelines. In the words of Mr. Mauthe through an email written to the senior class at the start of the pandemic “…there will be a graduation for the Class of 2020. You deserve it… Just know this - I plan on calling your name as a graduate of Xavier High School. We are all in this together and I look forward to honoring you at Graduation.” The seniors were asked how they wanted to be honored, from a virtual graduation, drive-thru ceremony; every possible ceremony option was discussed. Their vote- to wait until they can celebrate together. Of all the things they missed out on, an in-person graduation would not be one of them. The Xavier community was not going to allow a pandemic to ruin or postpone the celebrations and accomplishments these 137 individuals have worked so hard to achieve. In mid-May, faculty and staff split up and went to the house of each graduating senior to personally deliver his/her cap and gown, along with honor cords and any awards they earned. Also included were videos and notes written to the seniors by faculty, staff, alumni, and underclassmen. Over 1500 letters were received leading up to the deliveries! We are happy to announce that as of this publication going to print, the seniors will get their wish of attending graduation together. On August 5th, at the Fox Cities Stadium, home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers baseball team, Xavier will celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2020. We congratulate you all and welcome you as alumni of Xavier Catholic Schools!
To honor our seniors, and the unique ending to their high school career, the cover of this magazine is dedicated to them. Each senior had the opportunity to submit a photo in his/her cap and gown to be included on the front page. 32
X, The Xavier Magazine
• Summer 2020
