Written by Mary Beth Peabody
Graduates of the six diocesan high schools in the Diocese of Camden have been applauded for their resiliency, congratulated for their accomplishments, admired for their strength and encouraged to pursue their dreams. They’ve flipped their tassels, becoming South Jersey Catholic Schools’ newest alums. Virtual Masses, awards ceremonies and commencement exercises were paired with drive-through diploma events to commemorate their passage, in keeping with social distancing guidelines currently in place for the state of New Jersey.
As seniors in the midst of a global health crisis, the Class of 2020 missed plays and proms, pranks and parties, sports and send-offs, trips and traditions. But in their graduation addresses, salutatorians and valedictorians took a broader view, acknowledging the unique gains that came with their loss and the gifts they are taking with them.
Photo by Dave Hernandez
Claire Marino from Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill spoke about the gift of perspective, being able to appreciate the small things they didn’t know they would miss.
“We have certainly all grappled with feeling unlucky during our time at home,” she said. “Despite all our undeniable blessings we cannot help but notice the weight of what was missing. What it took me a while to realize is … we are so lucky to have something worth missing. A new appreciation for those around us, the smallest moments of life, the opportunity to help, and the beauty of an ordinary school day all knocked at our door. For once, we were all home to answer it.”
Frank Donio of Saint Joseph High School in Hammonton described his class as history-makers, even before becoming the school’s final graduating class and the class that graduated during a pandemic.
“What makes the class of 2020 the most special is that all the memories and accomplishments we’ve made passively, just by being ourselves,” he said. He considered how much more effective they could be as history makers by taking an active role, particularly in the current conversation about race.
“As a white person I will never have to experience the horrible injustices the black community is affected by daily. … Now is our time to be on the right side of history. Get active. … Let us all come together and strengthen the voice of our black friends which previously fell to deaf ears, because all lives cannot matter until black lives matter,” he said.
Referencing the song “History Has Its Eyes on You” from the Broadway hit “Hamilton” Sakshi Harjani, from Holy Spirit High School in Absecon had similar thoughts.
“We are the ones who have to push for change, and not sit idly by when injustices are faced all around the world. … It is up to us to create a better world,” said Sakshi.
She stressed the importance of staying informed as “We are the future scientists who will work on finding solutions for the global impacts of climate change, the future doctors and medical professionals who will find a cure for some of our most harmful diseases. We are the current and future artists and athletes who will show the world our talents; future teachers and activists who will educate others on how to fix broken systems; and future service members who will learn to protect other people everywhere from harm. … We will change the world together.”
At Gloucester Catholic High School, Emily Holzworth found a gift in what she described as the school’s unique spiritual bond.
“I am beyond grateful that I was able to attend a school that encourages the growth of faith in each individual student. As a Catholic community we do not merely go to church. We are the church. … We are also more than a building. We are one student body united through a faith identity that underscores our classes, our activities and our relationships.” She added that during the period of separation, faith in God, family, teachers and friends provided an enduring bond and foundation for future success.
Resiliency topped the list of characteristics used by school administrators to describe the class of 2020, a class they will never forget.
“The events of the past two months have brought a profound change to the way we live everyday life in our country,” said Michael Chambers, president of Paul VI High School in Haddonfield. “This milestone, your graduation, is not diminished by our shared circumstances. It is elevated by them. … Unlike other graduating classes, you have been called upon to exhibit grace under conditions that are as unique as they are challenging. You are the future of our country, and you are the future of our church. And we are confident in your ability to lead.”
Principal Joe Cray told Wildwood Catholic High School graduates, “This significant milestone in your lives is incredibly unique, and truly unforgettable, exactly like every one of you. We will never let these defining moments of you be eclipsed, even by a global pandemic.”
As he acknowledged all that the seniors had missed, Cray added, “I had to take it upon myself to senior prank my own office.” In a video, he proved that he had placed the name of every student in the class of 2020 in the school’s bell tower, a feat typically reserved for a few renegade seniors each year.
Bishop Dennis Sullivan recorded a message that was part of every school’s graduation ceremony. Referring to the traditional graduation march he said, “For you, the class of 2020, there is not too much pomp, and these are very unusual circumstances.” (See page 2 for the full text of Bishop Sullivan’s remarks to Class of 2020.)
He told them he wanted them to learn three lessons from the sickness and death related to the COVID-19 virus in New Jersey and in the world: we are all interconnected; life sometimes deals us bad cards, as it did to Jesus; and the pandemic has forced us, even the graduates at age 17 or 18, to face our human mortality.
Bishop Sullivan reminded graduates of the two verses he asked them to memorize at opening Masses in September 2019: “Fear not,” from the prophet Zephaniah and the promise “I am with you always,” from Matthew’s gospel. No one could have imagined how meaningful those verses would be in the face of the pandemic that brought an abrupt end to their time at school.
He thanked parents for providing their children with the gift of a Catholic school education and paved the way for brighter days, referencing a line from the song “You Will Be Found” from Broadway’s “Dear Evan Hansen.” It’s a message of hope from the friends of a troubled teen: “Let the sun come streaming in ‘cause you’ll reach up and you’ll rise again.”
The summer sun is streaming in, and the class of 2020 has already shown they are on the rise. God willing, they will move on to college, serve in the military or join the workforce over the next couple months. Their legacy will be defined not just by what they lost in 2020, but by what they learned and brought to the world in the future that awaits them.