The Cochrane Class of 2020 is beginning to celebrate their graduation and passage into adulthood— however, it will be a commemoration, unlike any event that has come before it.
Students have been unable to attend classes together and count down the day until their rite of passage— but, they, their families, friends and schools are still finding inspiring ways to celebrate the transition into adult life.
Graduation ceremonies have been modified to ensure their success can still be honoured, but the Cochrane community's students and students across the county and world still face an uncertain future.
The world has changed since they were last in the classroom on March 13 and they like all of us have been forced to adapt to a reality that is rapidly changing and evolving each day.
It has been an incredible year with many events that will forever change our society and the way we live.
Rocky View Schools' students and their cohorts across the country are the future of Canada, and while we may feel inundated and overwhelmed with the chaos of 2020 we need to take time to celebrate these students and help them become the leaders they need to be.
The year 2020 began with the forest fires that consumed Australia, COVID-19 arrived in March and the current Black Lives Matter rebellion against systemic racism shows the need to acknowledge the cracks in our system that are leaving some behind.
Things have changed so drastically and so quickly it is normal to feel unmoored, but it has also brought our community together as we rise to the challenges 2020 keeps throwing our way.
Now is the time to unite and show the Class of 2020 that they are not forgotten and we all wish them to find success and change this world for the better.
As a community let us celebrate our graduates while imparting the important role they will have in shaping the future of our country.
They say adversity breeds innovation and it is striking to see how the Class of 2020 has adapted to the challenges of COVID-19— as students approach the day that would have been their graduation we can celebrate their success and give them the confidence they need to help shape the future in the best way possible.
In June we would typically be gathering and graduates would be tossing their caps with massive grins hopeful to see what the future may hold— That spark is still there and it is exciting to see what they will do.
When we look back ten, 20 and 30 years from now when these graduates are grown we can remember how the year 2020 has shaped them, and us.
Let's leave them a strong foundation that will help them take flight.
As graduates celebrate with modified events, know that your families, friends and communities are with you and excited for what your future holds.
To the Class of 2020, we cannot wait to see what you do next.
