To the Class of 2020

By Lola Soto, Staff Reporter

Courtesy of KENNEDY HIGH

Dear Class of 2020,

Well, this certainly didn’t unravel the way we expected it to. Countless hours, class periods, opportunities—stolen by the uncontrollable wrath of a pandemic.

Yet we still manage to stand strong, together. Despite all odds, we have made it to the end. We are no longer the freshman lost in a sea of unfamiliar faces. We have grown together, seen each other prosper, falter, and helped pick each other back up when it feels impossible to do so ourselves.

Friendships have been born between us, even in the most unlikely of places. Our lives have intertwined with one another’s, forming a complex, messy, beautiful web of community and support. We have experienced the best and worst of childhood—skinned knees, cafeteria food, sunshine, grass rashes, playgrounds—together. We’ve grown into hormonal teens and helped carry each other through modern struggles—disorders, loss, heartbreak, sexuality—as one.

Our love as one student body is unconditional. We have learned to appreciate diversity amongst ourselves and our peers by practicing inclusivity and kindness. I have yet to see another community as strong, supportive, compassionate, and accepting as our own.

As we step off this bridge and enter the unknown world of adulthood, one thing is certain. Unity, support, and unconditional positive regard foster beautiful paths to follow and opportunities for growth and learning. Let compassion be a guiding force, teaching us to become beacons of positivity and knowledge.

We are the Fighting Irish—one large, supportive family united by education and a desire to learn. May we never feel alone or unsupported in our endeavors.

Sincerely,

Lola Soto