“This was supposed to be your year:” Shen. Valley graduation goes on

SHENANDOAH – Though the coronavirus pandemic forced a change in venue and methods, the Shenandoah Valley Class of 2020 pulled together a graduation ceremony as close to their predecessors as possible.

This year’s Shenandoah Valley’s commencement was held in the bus circle outside the high school on the west end. Speeches were given from a pair of podiums shaded by a tent outside the school’s entrance, while graduate’s cars arrived in groups to receive diplomas and drop off gowns.

Superintendent Brian Waite and School Board President Daniel Salvadore fist-bumped graduates instead of shaking their hands, and after each, they applied hand sanitizer.

Despite these changes, the format overall remained the same as prior years. Waite introduced the class, while the valedictorian, salutatorian, and class speaker spoke to their peers about the three R’s — Respect, Reflection, and Responsibility. Remotely, Wall of Fame Committee Chair Andy Ulicny introduced three esteemed alumni, who showed the graduates how far a Blue Devil grad can soar. You can read about them in a separate story to be published soon.

To conclude the ceremony, Class President Victoria Donovan provided remarks, and Jacqueline Bubnis led the singing of the National Anthem.

Though the usual crowd of friends and family couldn’t be there to watch, the ceremony was broadcasted via YouTube, while other family members watched and took photos from the family car, adorned with balloons, decorations, well-wishes, and even a car-sized graduation cap.

“This was supposed to be your year,” Waite said to the graduates. “There is nothing I or anyone can say to make up for the time you lost in what was supposed to be one of the best years of your life, culminating in graduation.”

“We realize nothing we say can take away the sting, hurt, pain, or even the anger you may feel,” Waite added. “Graduation in an auditorium, gym, or a football field is a rite of passage. An opportunity to celebrate with loved ones, hi-fiving, hugging, laughing, crying, and processing in front of everyone. It is your senior defining moment.”

“Graduation ceremonies are defining moments. The ceremony itself does not define who we are,” Waite continued. “We are defined by the quality of our character. The desire to improve ourselves. The ability to impact others in a positive manner. The contributions we make in our society. The compassion for others. Our grit, determination, and ability to persevere in the face of adversity.”

Waite told the 74 graduates that their hard work is never wasted, and commended the class members who he said are headed off to colleges such as Gettysburg and George Washington, into the workforce, and into the military.

Valedictorian Kaitlyn Karpovich followed Waite, speaking about reflections.

“As we sit in our cars tonight, we are able to reflect on our years at Shenandoah Valley,” Karpovich said. “Literally. We can look through our rear-view and side-view mirrors to see Shenandoah. We are able to see our friends lined up behind us, also with their family and loved ones.”

“It is not how we thought it would be, but life is only a reflection of what we allow ourselves to see,” Karpovich added. “Our reflections are sometimes clear, but at other times, they are shadowed. When we see our shadow, it can appear dark and lonely. However, a shadow in front of us is only there because of the sun at our backs.”

“We have all had tough times throughout our years, but we need to turn and face the sun. That is our future,” Karpovich continued. “You can make it whatever you want it to be.”

Salutatorian Abby Conroy followed, speaking about respect.

“From the day we began school at Shenandoah Valley, we were taught to respect one another, but respect goes much further than admiring someone’s abilities, qualities, or achievements,” Conroy said. “It creates the foundation for healthy relationships. In most cases, when you give respect, it is given back.”

“Gaining the respect of others is not always easy, and it may take some time, but in the end, it can positively affect how you feel, the choices you make, and your future,” Conroy continued.

Conroy, drawing off of lessons learned from science teacher Jeff Makismak, reminded students that life is full of choices and urged them to choose self-respect.

“In the long run, everything will work itself out,” Conroy said.

Rachael Roguskie, class speaker, spoke of responsibility.

“Ever since Elementary School, we’ve always been told that we have responsibilities,” Roguskie said. “At the time, many of us did not understand the concept of responsibility, and our biggest care in the world was whether we were going to use a red or blue crayon.”

Roguskie reminded students of the scaling amount of responsibilities they have had, from making beds to doing dishes to adjusting to a dynamic class schedule in high school, and how elementary school and their parents prepared them.

“Without the push from our parents and teachers when we were younger, we would not have developed the dedication and work ethic needed to succeed in the fast paced environment of high school and, most importantly, the real world,” Roguskie said.

Roguskie pointed out the resilience of the Class of 2020, noting how they “took on the responsibility of making the best out of the obstacles presented to us during this time of panic and confusion.”

Ulicny congratulated the class for their achievements reached graduation and spoke of the ceremony’s history

“Historically, tonight marks the 149th graduating class. This ceremony has been held in sites as diverse as the North Main Street stage, both the Capitol and Stand Theaters, the revered Cooper Building, the new SV Complex, and Veterans Memorial Stadium,” Ulicny said, noting this would be the first virtual ceremony.

Donovan concluded the ceremony, speaking to classmates.

“One thing I learned from high school is that you cannot take anything for granted. Time does not stop for you. You have to live your life to the fullest,” Donovan said. “I’m sure none of us believed our parents when they said these four years would go by fast, but they honestly did. Before I knew it, I blinked my eye, and they were gone.”

“Hold on to these memories, and carry them into your future. They have shaped you into your current self,” Donovan concluded, thanking the district’s teachers.

Principal Stuart Tripler and Waite said the graduation “went smoothly.”

“The class officers had a big part, and the class advisors,” Tripler said. “We met a couple times on Zoom. The kids are the ones who said ‘this is what we really want to do. We can’t do the other things, this is what we want to do.'”

“We all wanted to have something together for the last time, and they really worked out and talked with us, so we all agreed on this that we’d be able to see everybody and spend time together one last time,” said Donovan.

Teachers and security coordinated the placement of graduates’ cars in the various parking lots on campus, as well as inside Veterans’ Memorial Stadium before they proceeded to the bus circle to receive their diploma. Tripler commended the team effort.

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