This school year is not a normal one year by any means.
Students are home, learning virtually from teachers who are also homebound. Graduations remain on hold as school districts cancel proms, refund money for class trips and amend other senior activities students looked forward to sharing with their graduating classmates.
Senior celebrations are up in the air for many districts, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change life as we know it in New Jersey.
While the Class of 2020 did not envision the situation they find themselves in, they should remember: It does not take away from their achievements this year.
You have won state and individual championships in your respective sports, achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and earned Girl Scout Gold Medals, acquired a spot on the National Merit Scholars list.
Cherry Hill High School West senior Noor Baig created a mural of her alma mater, inspired by the cherry blossoms of Chapel Hill, to further enshrine the school’s spirit.
Washington Township High School senior Stephanie Masapollo donated Halloween costumes for an elementary school in Gloucester Township, inspired by a postponement of the holiday after Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Lenape High School seniors Ajit Sin and Sidharth Peri collected school supplies through their nonprofit Strive for Supplies, giving back to Mt. Laurel elementary schools. Sin and Peri raise funds through their math league classes at Moorestown and Mt. Laurel libraries.
There are these achievements — and countless others — for which the class of 2020 should be proud.
The Sun congratulates the seniors throughout South Jersey.
Shout your achievements out loud, no matter how big or small, and toss your virtual caps in the air to celebrate.
This one’s for you.
To highlight accomplishments, send a senior’s full name, summary of achievement, photo and school to the email address listed on the “Contact Us” page.
