A letter to the seniors

Dear Class of 2020,First and foremost, I want you to know how proud I am of this year’s senior class. You have managed the changes forced by COVID-19 with grace and dignity, and there are countless examples of students stepping up and helping others over the last few months.

Like many of you, listening to the Governor’s announcement that distance learning would continue for the remainder of this academic year prompted a flood of emotions. While it did not come as a surprise, many of us held out hope we could have resumed a more regular schedule and a physical return to our school buildings and home away from home. As I processed the news, I immediately thought of each of you, our Class of 2020 students who have spent most of your lives preparing for the rite of graduation into adulthood.

I want to assure you there will be appropriate celebrations of your achievements and graduation this year. While those ceremonies may not be traditional, and will likely be held later in the summer, we are not canceling graduation, and you will be honored and recognized as the Class of 2020 with as much pomp and circumstance as conditions will permit. There are still many unanswered questions, but plans are being developed and will be finalized once restrictions begin to ease allowing for a memorable experience.

For your entire school career, we have challenged you to face difficult situations, identify creative solutions, change your approach when obstacles surface, and find a way to succeed. Your principals, teachers, and myself as school superintendent will do just that!

We will use our final opportunity as your educators to lead by example, and find a way to celebrate your successful completion of this important chapter in your life. We will formally honor you, despite a global pandemic.

At the same time, we recognize the pain caused by the loss of the final months of your high school career — especially as it happened so suddenly, without an opportunity to say goodbye to classmates and teachers in person. It is important to acknowledge that pain, while also looking for the silver linings.

Knowing your optimism, I suspect you already recognize there are some benefits to graduating in the midst of a world turned upside down. The Class of 2020 is unique, and you will have amazing stories to tell in the years ahead. You have also had an opportunity to gain compassion and re-learn the importance of family and good health, which can be easily lost in the typical fast pace of senior year. The values of love, compassion, patience and dignity are continually reinforced during this time, and those values along with your faith will serve you well for the rest of your life.

Your principal and I will keep you and your family apprised of plans and timing going forward. In the meantime, if you feel overwhelmed or are struggling at all, do not hesitate to reach out to a teacher, your guidance counselor, your principal, or myself. We are stronger together, and like the governor said in his closing remarks that same day, we may be socially distanced, but we remain spiritually connected.

Giovanni Virgiglio, Jr.

Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Bishop Maginn High School, Class of 1999