*Published in the Manhasset Press*
Family members and friends on June 25 sat in the rows of seats in front of Manhasset High School, watching on as their loved one, dressed in a blue cap and gown, prepared to turn their tassel, thus moving onto the next chapter of their lives.
Each of the seniors sitting in the bleachers has a story to tell of how the pandemic interrupted what should have been a normal four years of classes, study sessions, sports teams, music programs, friends and other staples of high school life, But, as told by class salutatorian Noémie S. Gomes-Jourdan, the Class of 2021, a group of 255 students, persevered.
“As the last school year finished up remotely and we began a hybrid model this year, we seniors remained strong,” Gomes-Jourdan said during her address. “We did our best to cope with virtual learning while contributing in our own small ways to those greatly impacted by the pandemic. Whether it be those who organized food drives or those who created their own small businesses to donate the funds to charitable organizations. We had to have confidence that the work of scientists and doctors would allow us to celebrate our senior year.”
Sure enough, Gomes-Jourdan continued, students were able to come back to the classroom full-time, restrictions on athletics were gradually lessened and those who missed out on fall sports were able to play in a shorter time frame and music groups were able to have their first live performance in June.
“We were patient and accepting at a time when we knew that anger and frustration would be futile and we seized the day when we knew we had the opportunity,” Gomes-Jourdan said. “This constitutes the strength of the Class of 2021.”
Their were certainly thorns that the Class of 2021 faced, said class advisor Marcela Sepe. But for every thorn, there were also roses.
“Time and time again, you embraced the challenges of the past year,” said Sepe. “From the obstacles of the past year, you grew a rose. The Class of 2021, like many have already said, will perhaps be the most resilient, perseverant and creative class to graduate from Manhasset High School. After all, there probably will not be another graduating class who gets to come to school late on a regular basis due to ‘wifi issues.’”
Sepe than jokingly winked to the graduating class.
And it was not the first time the Class of 2021 had to be strong; as all students could remember well, Gomes-Jourdan said, navigating the hallways as new middle-schoolers, running around with “backpacks bigger than ourselves.” In high school, students searched through virtual databases for hours as they worked to complete an essay.
Valedictorian Joshua M. De Leeuw said during his address that he can still remember walking the halls of Manhasset Secondary School as a seventh grader, intimidated by the seniors. Now, he said, it’s the other way around, and the Class of 2021 has much to be proud of.
“As we enter the next stage of our lives, we are all too often overwhelmed by society’s expectations for us,” De Leeuw said. “This is only accelerated in the age of social media. We must look a specific way and get a certain amounts of likes. But if this pandemic has taught us one thing over the past year, it’s that more time has been spent alone than any of us anticipated or desired. Yes, it has been awful in so many ways, but I think it can teach us that at the end of the day, the only person you really have to please in life is yourself.”
And while it is important to remember one’s obligations to society, De Leeuw added, one should always do what makes them happy.
Manhasset Board of Education Vice President Christine Monterosso, who on behalf of the school district accepted the class gift of two new signs, choked up as she said her farewells to the Class of 2021, many of whom she has known since they were young children.
“I know I speak for all of the families here when I say that seeing you develop into the terrific young men and women that you are has been one of the great honors and privileges of our lives,” Monterosso said. “We will miss you terribly, but we will be here cheering you on and we will all be so proud of all you accomplish.”
Manhasset Secondary School Principal Dean Schlanger said the graduation on the early Friday evening was a culmination of a journey that has been like no other in recent or distant memory, thanking the class for being patient and understanding throughout the year.
“In spite of our many challenges, thankfully we were able to conclude this school year with a number of memorable and meaningful events to bring proper and celebratory closure to your senior year,” Schlanger said. “Enough with COVID-themed reflections, now let’s all consider all your accomplishments both prior to and those since March and perhaps most significantly, let’s celebrate the possibilities that lay ahead for all of you next year and in the many years to come.”
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