It may not have been how anybody thought it would be when the school year began but the Bridgeport High School Class of 2020 finally had its day.

 

The school’s graduation ceremony took place on Saturday morning at Wayne Jamison Field.

 

It may have been delayed a month or so. There might not have been as big a crowd as they wanted, or as many hugs given or pictures taken, but not even the COVID-19 pandemic that brought their final year of high school to a screeching halt on March 13, can stand in the way of how successful the Class of 2020 was or how bright the future is for the 179 graduates.

 

Senior Class President Lindsay Suter, Miss BHS Madison Seti, Mr. BHS and Student Body President Carson Winkie, Senior Class Historian Sophia Duarte and Senior Class Vice-President Elijah Smith all delivered passionate speeches that equally combined a trip down memory lane, a look to the future, a reminder of the COVID-19 world we are currently living in and a heartfelt goodbye to the school, community and friends.

 

“From the beginning, the Class of 2020 was destined to make history,” Seti said. “We were determined to make our mark on our school and the world. We worked hard and achieved some major accomplishments.

 

“Our class has taken historic to an entirely different level including the longest skip day in history. We’ve had success in all aspects of the high school such as academics, athletics and the arts. Perhaps the biggest gift we possess is the ability to adapt and overcome.

 

“We’ve grown up in some of the most turbulent times in recent history. We live in a world divided over issues of politics, climate and the economy. We continue to be affected by an international health crisis, the same unforeseen pandemic that crept in and caused our senior year to come to an abrupt end. These obstacles did not debilitate us, rather they did the opposite of what people expected. The circumstances have fostered our ability to adapt and overcome. They have given us the willpower to keep pushing for what we believe in, the ability to roll with Plan B and the experience we need to be able to change.”

 

In a time where, numbers and statistics way heavy on everyone’s mind, the BHS Class of 2020 has one that is rather impressive.

According to Jenna Edwards, the school’s Junior/Senior Counselor, members of the Class of 2020 received 6.2 million dollars in scholarships and award money.

 

While the crowd in attendance had to abide by social distancing guidelines that forced spread out seating in the bleachers, they were also treated to three moving musical pieces from BHS students. Seth Zirkle performed the National Anthem on guitar, Kamden Dulaney sang the song “This Is Not Goodbye” and Katherine Klenk performed “Hallelujah” on the violin.

 

BHS Principal Matt DeMotto began his final address to the senior class by joking had he known March 13 was going to be the final day in school they had together, he would have made it “Double Pepperoni Day” in the cafeteria.

 

The date of March 13 was a strong theme in DeMotto’s words. He reminded the crowd that it should be a date to remind us to not take anything for granted and a date to remind us that what we really need are hugs and handshakes and fist bumps and pats on the back, high-fives and dances.

 

“I offer three suggestions,” DeMotto said. “The biggest mistakes in my life have been the result of pride, emotion and fear. Suggestion number one, control your emotions, and if you are like me, that’s something I have to work on daily and you won’t always win the battle but don’t give up.

 

“Suggestion number two, be forgiving. Forgiveness leads us from hate and the first person you forgive is yourself. If we can’t forgive ourselves, we surely can’t forgive others. Love your neighbor. As such, let me say to you in the sincerest and heartfelt manner, I love you. While, I’m sorry for the way 2020 ended, I know you are well-equipped to adjust and overcome and I know you will.

 

“Suggestion three, extend a helping hand to all who seek it. If you seek happiness for others, you will find it for you.

 

“Class of 2020, may peace be with you always. Your first day of school is tomorrow. That’s when the real learning begins. Be on time, be the hope that others need, stay humble and be nice to everyone.”

 

A complete list of of all the members of the Class of 2020 can be found HERE

 

Stay tuned to Connect-Bridgeport for more photos and video from the BHS 2020 Graduation Ceremony.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by www.benqueenphotography.com