Four years of dates- dances and celebrations, games and concerts. As students, we anchor ourselves to these dates. Each marks the beginning, the end, and the equally vital in-betweens. These gatherings recognize our accomplishments in and out of the classroom. For those of us who have not yet been handed our diploma, they are the fixed points upon which many of our lives revolve. How then, do we reconcile when these facets of four years begin to fade.
We must remember our communities. Each cancellation is not in vain. Rather, it is a step taken to protect the community that has uplifted us. We distance ourselves because we intend to maintain the safety of those who have made each meet and performance possible. We can take pride in our precaution as it has revealed something invaluable; our common connection of care.
Be it flood, freeze or outbreak, Madison’s educational community sustains. Each change in course is complemented by efforts to aid our community at large. In place of competition and concert we fund-raise and volunteer. In times of uncertainty our teachers and administration reach beyond whiteboards and computer screens to ensure that we as students -but even more so- as young citizens, are fulfilled. Incidents interfere with what we have perceived to be certain, but more importantly, they reveal the community that has built us. A community that we will continue to build beyond the halls of Madison High School.
Class of 2020, let us allow these incidents to shape our perspective rather than impede our experience. Wherever we go, however far we will be from our alma mater, let us never lose sight of the community that stands behind us indubitably. May we maintain its integrity, and build upon its foundations of unyielding perseverance.