By LAURA HAMMACK, guest columnist
The ramifications from the coronavirus closures have been challenging for everyone. And there is no question that the graduating seniors from high schools and colleges across the nation have been uniquely and profoundly impacted. Our school district has been engaging in a variety of innovative ways to celebrate our incredible Class of 2020. It has been such a gift to find ways to share in joyful moments “together.”
One of those celebrations was created by the teachers and staff of Brown County High School. Led by English teacher, Mrs. Rebekah Bryan, teachers and staff wrote personal letters to the graduates. These letters were collected and transformed into a very moving video where each educator read a section of their letter.
I was so touched by each letter and expected that our readers would enjoy reading selections from each educator who participated in the project. Should you be interested in enjoying the video in its entirety, you can access it on the Brown County Schools Superintendent Facebook page titled, “Dear Class of 2020.”
One of the lines we were going to sing in our graduation song this year is “Go out and tell your story; let it echo far and wide. Make them hear you!” As you leave your time at BCHS, take those words to heart and show the world how being from Brown County has prepared you to have an impact on the world! — Kristi Billings, vocal music
Remember and be proud of your roots at Brown County Schools. We will miss you all. Remember, your path is up to you to create because you have only just started it. — Rob Abraham, physical education
You’re an amazing group of young adults and you’ll always be in my heart. If I can give any sort of parting advice it would be: smile, do your best always, and be kind. — Beth Branson, paraprofessional
This wonderful Class of 2020 is absolutely filled with amazing, talented, drive, compassionate and passionate young adults that will truly make the world a better place in the days and years to come. — Dean Keefauver, industrial technology/engineering
On your first day of econ, we talked about how at its foundation, Economics is the study of choices. You make a choice to stick it out, achieve, and succeed the last 12 years. Now you can face an abundance of choices, many of which will alter your life forever. — Alecia Adams, social studies
I hope that as you step out onto your path in life that it will be a successful one. As you reach each new milestone and experience that success, I hope you will also be thankful to those who have supported you, helped you, encouraged you, and loved you along the way. — Christy Wrightsman, director of the Brown County Career Resource Center
Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey. If you believe you can, you will! — Cheryl Fox, mathematics
You will all be remembered as being part of the 2020 class. I wish you all great success and I hope you all reach your goals and fulfill your dreams. — Mark White, mathematics
Class of 2020, you are very special to me and it has been an honor to be your teacher. I am so proud of you and wish you all the best. I know you are going to do great things, and remember, the best is yet to come. — Lauren Spiece, Spanish
The best days of your life are yet to come. Keep pushing forward to those days, relentlessly. Keep improving. Keep dreaming and working hard at EVERYTHING. — Kevin Greve, social studies
You are the first class entirely born in this new millennium. In your lifetimes, you will see things which we can’t even imagine today, just as those born in 1900 could never imagine our modern world. I wish all of you every good thing and that you go on to find happiness and fulfillment in whatever you choose to do. — Brian Galm, English/media specialist
You have seen how the best laid plans can be knocked flat when the whole world locks itself inside and waits for an all-clear because of a tiny virus. This won’t be the last time you have reshuffle and redeal. What we have tried to do is prepare you for those times when you have to change course. No one knows where it goes, but man, what a ride. — Greg Mosley, English
My hope for you is that the memories of all of your school years will find their way to twirl around and encircle your heart with the warmth of the happiness which created the memories themselves. — Barb Kelp, special services
Very soon, each of you will begin your next journey, taking you many different ways with all sorts of achievements and challenges. You are prepared for this step and we look forward to seeing all of the great things you will accomplish. — Kirk Wrightsman, technology
I hope you let the light in your life drown out the darkness. I hope you find joy in what you do and remember that life is better when it is full of laughter. I hope you find what your passion is and dive headfirst into it. — Emily Lewellen, social studies
You have been uniquely created for a special purpose, and all of you have already proven strength and perseverance through this tough and challenging time. — Tammy Kesler, health assistant
I was blessed to teach most of you your freshman year and watch you grow from those scared ninth-graders into adults over the last few years. Each of you are capable of contributing amazing things to this world. — Hillary Frye, English
You’re human. You make mistakes. Learn to forgive yourself and think of the mistakes you made as learning experiences instead of chains that hold you back. Try to be open to new experiences. — Julie Miller, English
Be so proud of yourself and the fact that you got here, even if you didn’t get here the way everyone else thought you should. Love yourself even when others around you don’t see a reason to. Know that when you find those two tasks impossible, it’s OK, because there is an English teacher right here at BCHS who will be proud of you and love you until you find it possible again. — Rebekah Bryan, English
Stay curious. Look for opportunities to continue to grow as people and become lifelong learners. Learn new skills, meet new people and explore new places. You guys deserve the best and, for each of you, the best is yet to come. — Jay Myers, social studies
I have learned so much from all of you. All of you have such a great potential to achieve whatever you want in life. Please, always do your personal best and never give up! — Pedro De Leon, Spanish
As you begin a new chapter, you may be apprehensive about the future, much like that first day of freshman year; but, know that you have all the tools for success. So, be patient, be kind, persevere and stay positive through challenges so that you become the best possible version of yourself. — Jim McFall, biomedical science
Best of luck in all you wish to do! — John Berning, social studies
You were robbed of the chance to say goodbye, the chance to get real closure. Speaking as a teacher, I know that I feel that way. I wish I could tell myself three months ago to do more to cherish the time that I’ve had with my students, but especially you seniors. — Matt Finley, band
Dream big, be kind, and look for ways to improve the life of your family, your community, your county and your world. I challenge you to find the thing you love and then find a way to make a life out of it. The future is yours. Seize it and don’t let go. — Matt Stark, principal
Class of 2020, your limits do not exist:
Lim you(t) = ∞
t= future
— Paige Burton, mathematics
Class of 2020, the best IS yet to come. We are so proud of you. #WeAREBrownCounty
Laura Hammack is superintendent of Brown County schools. She can be reached at 812-988-6606 or [email protected].
