On June 23rd the Class of 2020 was honored drive-in movie style. This picture-perfect evening, albeit far from traditional, brought together 193 seniors and their families to the west parking lot of SUNY Purchase for a celebration to remember. All eyes were on two 40 foot screens as participants tuned in to the simulcast on their car radios. The presentation contained words of wisdom, pride, and messages about resilience and strength as this class faced a unique set of challenges leading up to graduation.
The audience heard from Salutatorian, Elena Lowe who said, “We can only hope this will be a year of change for the better and we should not be afraid of it.”
Alison Lehman, the Valedictorian, addressed her peers and stated, “When we look back at this time, remember all that it gave us. Our sadness, frustration, and anger highlight what we value most and will change our lives for the better.”
Mr. Walsh referred to the Class of 2020 as the 52nd graduating class from Byram Hills but quite different from all the others. “You are the only class who had a car procession in your honor, a video tribute on movie screens, and graduation on the turf field,” Mr. Walsh said. “I will always remember this grade for leading the way into an unknown world.”
Dr. Jen Lamia addressed the seniors by speaking about how much has changed during their journey on the path to graduation. “Change helps us develop into our true selves. A part of each of us is developed by the way we think, we act, we relate, we dream, and we exist during change,” said Dr. Lamia.
The eighty-minute program incorporated moving messages from Board of Education President, Mr. Scott Levy, high school teachers, tribute slides from parents and students, a clever diploma hand-off, and a montage of photos and videos starting from when the seniors were in elementary school. This was truly a magical night filled with well-deserved recognition, great joy, and much hope for the Class of 2020.
The formal Commencement Ceremony will take place on August 4th on the high school campus.