Like many districts across the country, the graduates of the Shenandoah Valley School District were unable to graduate in a typical ceremony due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Luckily, Schuylkill County had moved to the "yellow phase" the week prior which allowed the district to hold a virtual graduation and also allow graduates to receive their diplomas with their fellow classmates at the school with social distancing guidelines in place.
The ceremony for the 74 graduates included their traditional format but required each of the graduates to watch the ceremony through Facebook and Youtube from their vehicles with their families.
When it was times to receive their diplomas, the graduates were driven to the main entrance of the high school, where the ceremony was taking place, got out of their vehicles, and received their diploma from School Board President Daniel P. Salvadore and received a fist bump from Superintendent Brian Waite.
After graduates received their diploma, a professional photographer took a photo of them in their cap and gown.
The ceremony itself was opened with the National Anthem being sung by Jacqueline Bubnis and the Pledge of Allegiance by graduate Alyssa Buchanan.
Superintendent Waite welcomed everyone who was attending the ceremony from their vehicles as well as the people watching from home.
Waite began by apologizing to the graduating class for how their senior year ended. "There is nothing I can say or do in the time you lost. It was supposed to be one of the best years of your life, culminating with graduating. We realize nothing we say can take away the sting, hurt, pain, or even the anger you may feel. I am sad for you. I truly am.".
Waite talked about the graduates missing out on a typical procession but stressed the ceremony does not define who they are.
"We are defined by the quality of our character, the desire to improve ourselves, the ability to impact others in a positive manner, the contributions we make to society, the compassion for others, our grit and determination and ability to perservere in the face of adversity." Waite said.
Waite then introduced the Class of 2020 Valedictorian Kaitlyn Karpovich with her speech titled "Reflections".
"Life is only a reflection of what we allow ourselves to see. Our reflections are something clear but sometimes they are shadows. When we see our shadow, it can appear dark and lonely. However, a shadow in front of us is a reflection of the sun on our back. We have all had tough times through our years, but we need to turn and face the sun. That is our future. You can make it whatever you want it to the be. Life in 10% the experience and 90% of how you react to it." said Karpovich.
Next to speak was Salutatorian Abby Conroy and spoke about "Respect".
"From the day we began school at Shenandoah Valley, we were taught to respect one another. But respect goes much further that admiring someones abilities, qualities, or achievements. It creates the foundation for health relationships. Someone once told me that the amount of respect reciprocated by the students at Shenandoah Valley is very noticeable and I'm very proud of that". " stated Conroy.
"By showing others that you care about how. you present yourself, they will accept you for you who you are. Trust your instincts but remain open minded" added Conroy.
Class Speaker Rachel Roguskie also spoke on "Responsibility".
"Although this ceremony is not what it was intended to be, we took on the responsibility of making the best out of the obstacles presented to us." Ruguskie said.
She quoted Eleanor Roosevelt that read "In the long run she shape our lives and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. The choices we make are ultimately our responsibility."
A recorded video was then played from Wall of Fame Chairman Andrew Ulicny who introduced the 2020 inductees Robert Gadinski (Class of 1966), Nancy Grygorowicz-Davis (Class of 1975), and Darline Monlish Ph.D. (Class of 2001). Each had a recorded message for graduates and can be watched through the recorded stream below.
At this moment, the graduates began to receive their diplomas as Class Advisors Beth Thomas and Pam Conroy read the graduates' names.
After all the diplomas were handed out, 2020 Class President Victoria Donovan passed the mantle to the Shenandoah Valley Class of 2021.
Finally, the ceremony was concluded the Shenandoah Valley Alma Mater that was sung by Jacqueline Bubnis.
Photos and Story by J. Reed.
Full Graduation Ceremony
