Carranza: Triumphant moment for city high schoolers

Congratulations to the amazing Class of 2020! There’s never been a New York City graduating class like yours. There’s never been a senior year like yours. As chancellor of all New York City public schools, and on behalf of all 150,000 staff who make our schools run: I am so proud of you.

Of course, no one has ever gotten to graduation without persistence, dedication, and plenty of hard work. But you, the Class of 2020, have truly shown us what New Yorkers are made of — and what great students are made of. I’ve been an educator for more than 30 years in four states from coast to coast, and I have always believed in the power of students to achieve their goals. But this year, you absolutely redefined my sense of what young people are capable of.

That is because you persisted through times that none of us could have imagined. A global pandemic that spread through your communities and families. The stress of staying home, cooped up 24/7. Suddenly taking all your studies online. And then: a societal reckoning that summons the words of Congressman and civil rights legend

John Lewis: “Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.”

You are living proof of these words. Long before the current moment, you were hard at work speaking out in our streets and our schools for what you believe in, calling for the world you desire and deserve.

And you were working hard in another way, every day: all the studying, the homework, the projects. This moment would not have come without those thousands of hours and effort that you dedicated.

So I know that at this triumphant moment, not being able to celebrate your achievements with traditional graduation rituals is very tough.

But I want you to know that while some things have been taken away, other gifts are now being placed in front of you.

Because when the future isn’t clearly laid out ahead of us, there is great creative power to build it anew, and that ultimately lies in your hands.

Your inspired vision can lead us to a future that people in power today can’t yet imagine.

Your thirst for justice can lead us to a future that generations have been crying out for and we have not yet achieved.

Your educated minds and resilient hearts can lead us to a future that is stronger, healthier, and more just for your fellow New Yorkers.

Use the education you have received to continue to think critically, absorb more knowledge, walk compassionately through the world, and speak truth to power.

Keep sharing your gifts with your communities that raised you, and the city you call home.

And know that while you may be graduating, we will always have your back in this.

We see you. We support you. And — above all — you make the New York City Department of Education, and your whole city, so proud.

We can’t wait to see what is next for you.

Congratulations!