By Debbie Hall
In keeping with their class motto, “Chase your dreams, but always know the road will lead you back home,” the Class of 2020 returned ‘home’ Saturday to participate in a modified commencement exercise.
Under threatening skies and between rain showers, groups of 10 graduates participated in the 50th commencement exercise held on the football field at Patrick County High School.
“We celebrate, recognize and witness the culmination of 13 years of academic achievement,” Trey Cox, principal of PCHS said as the ceremony got underway. “This class has experienced tremendous success in their time here and they’ve also experienced strife as the COVID-19 closure totally disrupted their final few months of their senior year.
“Class of 2020, you have remained resilient and focused despite the heavy obstacles that were placed upon you. We honor you for your determination and we honor you for your achievements. We’re anxious to see what you accomplish in the next chapters of your life,” Cox said.
“This is a special day to celebrate,” Schools Superintendent Dean Gilbert said. “This day will be even more so special, given the current situation” and health crisis, “and what our seniors have had to overcome this spring. Our hearts go out to our seniors for the way the school year ended. As you leave today, please know that it has been our honor and our privilege to be a part of the ceremony.”
“We have had quite an interesting year. A year much different than what many before us have gone through,” Seth Wright, salutatorian, said when presenting his speech, titled ‘The Last Lesson.’
“Through the epidemic, many of the events we had looked forward to our senior year were canceled” and the class learned many lessons. I feel like there needs to be one more lesson. I will give you a word that I hope you will carry with you throughout the rest of your lives. The word is empathy” which is defined as the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, Wright said, adding that it is better known as “‘walking a mile in another person’s shoes.’
“Empathy is needed now more than ever. We must understand that there are trials that some have faced that we will never know because of the differences in social, economic” and other circumstances, Wright said. “I know I cannot speak for the troubles of others as I do not know what trials they go through every day. Rather I can be kind, compassionate and understanding towards people.
“What I can do is not judge someone’s actions. I can listen more than speak and I can be patient,” Wright said. “As we leave Patrick County and continue in the next journey of our life, I hope that we do not forget that we are in this together no matter how different we are.”
In his speech, titled “Class of 2020: Our Successes,” and on behalf of the class, Krishal Somasundaram, valedictorian, thanked “our parents, family members and loved ones who have been there for us every step of the way. You have supported us, encouraged us and done everything to put us in the position that we are in today. Thank you to all our teachers, coaches and many role models that we have in this wonderful school system. From preschool to this moment, you have gone above and beyond to ensure our growth and success. We thank you all.
“To the class of 2020, we may be the most unique graduating class in the history of Patrick County High School. As we celebrate the great honor of being the 50th graduating class as well as one of the smallest classes, it is only right that we acknowledge the many challenges we have faced during our time,” Somasundaram said.
“We had to push through those mornings that we wanted five more minutes, push through those late-night band practices after a long day of school. We’ve had to push through those many tough days on the court and on the field. We have all encountered an assignment or test that challenged every bit of ourselves, and if you’re lucky enough, you experienced Mrs. Turner’s English” class, “but to be fair, other classes have challenged us as well,” Somasundaram said.
“No graduating class in its senior year has had to face the end of the Toy Story saga, the opening of Area 51 and TikTok dances. Jokes aside …, for us as the Class of 2020, coronavirus meant no senior prom, no senior nights at an athletic event, no senior trips, and fewer days that we could see our friends all together,” he said.
Despite all of that, Somasundaram said “we persevered and we prevailed, and I truly believe that is an incredible accomplishment. It goes to show that, no matter what you look like, where you’re from, or what you believe in, there are no limits to what every single one of us can accomplish. But our success will not be defined by some monetary value or the number of awards we receive. Rather, I know that our success will be the impact we have on our community and those around us.”
Also among those scheduled speakers were Senior Class President Thomas Lincoln Rose Jr., to present “A Class to Put In Your History Books;” Senior Class Vice-President Joelle Marie Holderman to present “Sweet Memories,” and remarks by Brandon Simmons, chairman of the Patrick County School Board.
Among the class of 144 seniors, 66 students received advanced diplomas, 75 received standard diplomas, 39 received Governor seals, 75 received Civic seals, 28 received Early College Scholars, 34 received Board of Education, 60 received Math and Technology and two received the Commonwealth Scholar Seal, Cox said.
Additionally, in the school’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) department, Cox said 119 students received a CTE seal; 93 received CTE completer gold medallions, and 24 members of the class participated in the Senior Beta Club.
Naomi Manns received an award for maintaining perfect attendance during 13 years of classes.
In the short-term, 72 students plan to attend a two-year college, Cox said. He added that 29 students plan to attend a four-year university; six plan to attend trade/technical, three seniors plan to join the military and 29 plan to join the workforce.
