JCS grads urged to 'change the world'

JOHNSBURG | The 17 graduating seniors of Johnsburg Central School were treated like rock stars in the 2020 commencement exercises held in the Gore Mountain parking lot. Their drive-in ceremony held June 27 featured a professional stage flanked with giant LED screens to display the proceedings, and the speeches were broadcast via radio into the dozens of vehicles filled with parents, relatives, and friends witnessing the event. A production crew recorded the commencement exercises for posterity. The audience expressed their congratulations while watching from their vehicles: honking horns and firetruck sirens repeatedly punctuated the action onstage. Welcoming the car-bound crowd, Salutatorian Sheridan Millington noted that the ceremony was an "extraordinary experience," first of its kind for the school. She described the disruption of the COVID-19 lockdown — how she and her classmates had delved into remote learning and endured radical changes in their social lives. Millington talked of how the Class of 2020 faced uncertainty — whether her college-bound friends would be deprived of in-person class sessions, and whether the jobs other classmates had counted on would still exist. Also, she expressed thanks to guidance counselor Jane Kokoletsos for her many career-counseling sessions with each senior. Millington also talked of the prevailing social upheaval over racial justice, equality, and opportunity. "On top of the global pandemic, millions of people are beginning to wake up and recognize our nation's racial divide," she said, talking of the protests across the nation. "I look forward, with great hope, to seeing our generation work to rebuild a better America — An America that we are proud to call home." Valedictorian Shae Riedinger also said that the Class of 2020's senior year was historically unique. She said the isolation at home, loss of socializing with friends, and the ban on participating in sports likely had some positive consequences. "This experience has the potential of teaching us more than we realize," she said. "It can remind us to not take life for granted, and to live in the moment instead of always thinking of the next 'big thing.' It can also serve as a reminder to spend time with the people you care about because there is no telling what is going to happen." Riedinger said that the pandemic would not stop the Class of 2020 from achieving their dreams. "We are in charge of our futures," she said, noting the enduring support of parents and teachers. She concluded by praising her classmates' fortitude. "In these trying times you didn't give up, and that determination and drive are what will help you achieve the life you want." Superintendent of Schools Michael Markwica said the Class of 2020 had excelled in sports, music, art, and academics. He said that the seniors' experience during the lockdown armed them with valuable skills in remote learning as well as gaining an ability to adapt to sudden changes in life. He also said that the sheltering-in-place had developed family bonds and created precious memories of family times, unlike any other generation. He added that the seniors would be relaying these positive experiences someday to their children and grandchildren. "Congratulations — Take the lessons you have learned and change the world," he said.

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JCS grads urged to 'change the world'

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