On the evening of Aug. 13, nearly 200 viewers tuned in to YouTube to celebrate Elwood Middle School’s graduating Class of 2020. The virtual moving-up ceremony, while very different than previous years, was nothing short of inspirational as administrators, teachers and board of education members shared kind words about each middle school graduate.
Amid the disappointment that the ceremony could not be held in person, Principal Dr. Christina Sapienza and Assistant Principal Dawn Valle thanked the students, parents and teachers for their hard work and dedication, not only during the last few months, but also throughout the past three years.
Following a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America,” sang by graduate Kimberly Reyes, Dr. Sapienza addressed the Class of 2020. “I will not focus on the loss of time,” she said. “Instead, I will relish the years where you all made me laugh on a bad day, reminded me of simple joys and how a smile can change the course of the day. To say I adore you all would be an underestimate...I can't wait to cheer you on in the years to come.”
Adding to that heartfelt message, was Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert. “It has been a pleasure watching you in our hallways and just listening to what you experience in the classrooms, the way you interact with one another in the hallways, truly shows what is the best in our future and the best of Elwood,” he said. “You have made me proud on countless occasions and I count on you continuing to do that in years to come.”
Student Council President Anthony Bell then thanked his administrators for their kind words and offered a few words of inspiration to his fellow graduates. Quoting former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, he said, “’Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’ I’m eager to see what we as a class can do together.”
As student photos flashed across the screen, teachers read aloud each of the graduates names, commended award-winners and praised individual, admirable traits that will take the students far at John H. Glenn High School and beyond.