Class of 2020 finally gets their diplomas

LAUREL — All rise.

Cue the pomp and circumstance.

And, go.

That is typically the way a graduation ceremony begins.

This year was slightly different.

The only cueing done was pressing the play button on an electronic device and the “all” who were rising, were only family members and friends with admission tickets to the event.

Thanks to gathering limitations and Directed Health Measures in place, attendance was limited and the layout was completely different. Graduates were spaced out along the gym floor. A few families were clustered on the floor while the rest were grouped throughout the bleachers. Each of the school representatives dawned masks, while a few participants and spectators wore facial coverings.

Opening remarks were given by Delaney Ehlers. Commencement addresses by each of the co-valedictorians, Ty Erwin and Cutter Haberman, highlighted memories and gave challenges to press on in life. Jeremy Christiansen, Superintendent, Jay Hall, School Board President, and Ken Swanson, High School Principal each played a role in presenting diplomas to the students.

For approximately forty-five minutes, the Class of 2020 got their moment to shine despite their special year being plagued with abnormalities.

The class chose a quote from Michael Josephson as their motto.“Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” It is fitting for this class and their circumstance, as well as the general public. Perhaps the most important part is to “enjoy the journey.”

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