Appreciating a moment they thought might not come
SUMNER - The SEM Graduating Class of 2020 had their graduation ceremony Sunday afternoon at the SEM gymnasium in Sumner. It was a little over two months late due to COVID-19 but at least they were able to have their day in the sun which they so deserved after 13 years of hard work.
There were 16 graduates in the class of 2020 plus a foreign exchange student from Italy which was present with them via cell phone that one of the graduates had on her during the ceremony.
The 16 graduates and one foreign exchange student were Haily Beer, Madison Bozak, Cade Eggleston, Sarah Glatter, Jennifer Guerra-Mazariegos (Valedictorian), Zoie Hays, Cody Hollibaugh, Megan Leka (Foreign Exchange Student from Italy), Shawna Lechleitner, Sidney Ripp, Connor Russell, Ashley Schroeder, Blake Schroeder, Parker Smith, Riley Sock, Riley sties and Faith Whitesel (Salutatorian).
SEM’s class motto was “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters, compared to what lies within us.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson. Their class flower was the White Gerber Daisy and class colors were royal blue, white and platinum.
The one thing that stood out to me in Salutatorian Faith Whitesel’s speech Sunday was that she said, “There’s nothing I can really say to describe how us seniors felt with COVID-19. This pandemic has not only affected our class but people and seniors from all over the world.
Like I mentioned before, we always look forward to the fun activities we get to do, and with this pandemic, we were not able to do them. With all the negativity going on about the virus our class was able to push through and find the positives and make the best out of the situation we are in. Everything happens for a reason, this is something I live by and I am beyond thankful that everyone is still safe and healthy. Being able to have graduation is another big positive that before we were told might not happen. We are slowly getting our lives back, and I can’t wait to see what everyone accomplishes in the future. This pandemic shows that no matter what steps in our way, we are going to push through and let nothing stop us.”
In Valedictorian
Jennifer Guerra-Mazariegos’ speech she said, “The Class of 2020! We finally made it, the day we have been anticipating since the first day we entered High school. Even though senior year didn’t go quite how we expected, I know that each and every one of us has grown stronger and learned so many valuable lessons along the way because of it. Graduating in the midst of this pandemic has taught us to hold on to our High school memories and not wish it to be over so soon.” Jennifer also said, “I never thought March 16 would mark the last day of our senior year, now standing here, I wish I would have spent less time wishing high school away and more time appreciating the little moments. As we now know these moments are never guaranteed.”