Sandburg’s Class of 2020 celebrates transition to next chapter through virtual graduation
Graduating in a year that will “go down in history books,” Sandburg's seniors “raised the bar for all that follow”
The world is quite unpredictable right now. This year will likely never be forgotten, especially if future generations are to read about it in detail in history books, as suggested by Meghan Haran, Carl Sandburg High School’s Class of 2020 graduation speaker.
But the past few months are only part of the broader picture, and that’s a concept Haran hopes her fellow graduates can grasp.
“I urge you to see this from a different perspective. Fellow graduates, don’t see this as an obstacle; see it as an opportunity,” Haran said during Sandburg’s 65th commencement ceremony, which took place virtually for the first time in school history, on Friday, July 17. “Right now, everywhere you look there’s a sad Facebook post or newspaper article dedicated to the heartbreak felt for the class of 2020, but I, for one, refuse to let this class be defined by the last 2.5 months.”
A Sandburg family wishes their congratulations to the Class of 2020 during the drive-thru graduation ceremony earlier this summer. | Screenshot of Sandburg’s virtual graduation video
Student leaders, administrators and Consolidated High School District 230 Board of Education members urged the more than 700 Sandburg graduates in this year’s class to continue spreading love, empathy, kindness and respect.
Student Council President Mona Abu-Samra kicked off the ceremony with a warm welcome to viewers, Esther Lee sang the National Anthem and senior members of Chorale performed “I’d Give it All for You.”
Student Council President Mona Abu-Samra introduces viewers to Sandburg’s 65th commencement ceremony and first-ever virtual graduation
Embarking on your next chapter, sharing your story, amplifying your voice, being your own author: The common commencement speech themes were in full bloom during Friday night’s ceremony, streamed on YouTube.
Take flight and soar, some of the board members said, in a nod to the school’s Eagle mascot.
“You have begun to develop your voice in the four short years you’ve spent in high school. You have begun to find your place in this world and you will continue to evolve in that understanding in the coming years,” Superintendent Dr. James Gay said. “Your experiences, your values and your identity are distinctive to you.”
“Your unique voice is important in this world and don’t be afraid to express yourself and share what makes you uniquely you,” the superintendent added.
Sandburg Principal Dr. Jennifer Tyrrell speaks during the school’s 65th commencement ceremony, held virtually, on July 17
In her speech, Sandburg Principal Dr. Jennifer Tyrrell highlighted the school’s recently formed Black Student Union (BSU) as an example of students using their voice.
“Thank you for being brave enough to share your experience as Sandburg students and being instrumental in getting the BSU started,” Tyrrell said. “We have a long way to go, but thank you for using your voice to enact positive change at Sandburg. Using your voice to make a positive change in our school, community and world is elite daily.”
The Class of 2020 “raised the bar for all that follow,” Tyrrell said. She highlighted the many contributions the class has made in its four years and emphasized that she will miss the leadership and positivity of the seniors.
Tyrrell — who stepped into the role of principal as the Class of 2020 headed into their junior year — echoed Haran’s statement that the coronavirus pandemic is just a piece of the puzzle for the graduating class.
Sandburg senior Meghan Haran encourages classmates to not let covid-19 define their high school experience during her graduation speech
“You see, Class of 2020, the last few months do not define your Sandburg story,” Tyrrell said. “There is no doubt that the covid-19 pandemic is part of your story, but you have written your Sandburg story by finding your passions, developing relationships, loving each other and those staff members that have impacted your experience, serving others, persevering and responding in the face of adversity, being kind, gracious, thankful and appreciative.”
While most of the Class of 2020 will likely never step foot in the high school again, their legacy will be etched in the central staircase, one of the most highly visible areas of the building. As part of the senior gift, the school will incorporate inspirational quotes on each step of the staircase.
“Through these quotes, the spirit and optimism that this year’s seniors have demonstrated will never be forgotten,” Senior Class President Will Tenuta said. “I’m hopeful that the next generation of Sandburg students can look at our gift and see the greatness and adaptability that Sandburg students are capable of achieving.”
Senior Class President Will Tenuta presents the Class of 2020’s gift to the school: A renovated central staircase that will incorporate inspirational quotes on each step
The world is quite unpredictable right now, but it won’t always be that way. Haran, the commencement speaker, harkened back to an early 2000s TV show to make a point.
“In the wise words of One Tree Hill, it’s the oldest story in the world. One day you’re 17, and you’re planning for someday, and then quietly and without you ever really noticing it, someday is today, and then someday is yesterday and this is your life.”
“Don’t settle for what is comfortable, and don’t settle for what is familiar,” Haran said.