Seniors in the Class of 2020, we are all celebrating you!
Think back to your senior year in high school. You’re excited for Fall football games, Homecoming dances, college applications, playing in your last year of varsity sports, shopping for your prom dress, Ditch Day, Senior Prank, signing your friends’ yearbooks, and of course your graduation, passing out wallets from your senior pictures, completing your final performances in band, choir, or theater, and looking forward to that big graduation party (and getting to open your cards and count the cash afterwards!). The last 12 years, you have been working hard, studying, learning, growing and graduation is FINALLY here.
But to the Class of 2020 Seniors, their completion of high school is occurring during a global pandemic.
Senior year is being completed online. The ceremonies, senior trips, commencement speeches, and celebrations are cancelled, or on hold until further notice. And I’ll be honest, it is beyond disappointing, and there is nothing anyone can do right now to change it. They are experiencing this global pandemic at what is likely to feel like the worst time it could ever happen.
For all of you Seniors, what I want you to know is, you will get through this.
You know what? It is still ok to feel mad, bummed, and sad about it. You are walking through history, rather than the graduation stage. But you have so many people cheering for you. Of course, your parents are proud of you. Your fellow classmates understand where you’re at. Your family will celebrate as soon as it is safe. Guess what else? You can still celebrate in new ways, ways that no other graduating classes have done.
Watch Barak and Michelle Obama give a virtual commencement speech on June 6, 2020.
Put on that cap and gown and be PROUD of yourself! Walk across your backyard, your living room, whatever. Do your happy dance. Move that tassel. YOU DID IT!
Set up a graduation card party. Friends and family would LOVE to honor you and send their card to the graduate!
iHeartMedia is giving grads a special featuring Jimmy Fallon, Pitbull, John Legend and several others on May 15, 2020. This will be one to watch for sure!
Get yourself a senior yard sign to show off your accomplishments to all those that drive or walk by your home.
SUCH a good episode from John Krasinski! He had a Hollywood style graduation celebration on Some Good News, and the party included Deadpool, Oprah Winfrey, and Ryan Reynolds.
Decorate your front door, representing your high school career.
We are celebrating with you, Grads!
But I have to add one more thing. You know all the other generations that have slammed you for “always being on a screen”? Well, it looks like it is finally paying off with graduating that way. ;) Drop.the.mic.
Here’s to you, Class of 2020!
And a special congratulations to the seniors I photographed. You all will do amazing things in life. This is just the beginning for you!
Rachel Barba
Oakland Christian High School
Chase Marcath
Lutheran High School North
Matthew Polizzi
Jenna Schultz
Notre Dame Prep High School
You may also be interested in…
Hannah // Detroit Senior Session in Eastern Market
Chloe // Downtown Rochester Senior Portraits and Stony Creek Metropark
Chelsie Maurer is a professional photographer specializing in Maternity, Newborn, Child and Family sessions in Metro Detroit and surrounding areas. Her photography studio is located Downtown Utica, Michigan.