{Sharon Aron Baron}
By: Armaan Rajwany
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, all events have been cancelled for the Class of 2020 including functions like prom and grad bash this school year.
On April 22. Superintendent Robert W. Runcie announced that graduation for the class of 2020 would happen on a virtual platform.
He wrote in a tweet, “I am proud of [The Class of 2020] for their perseverance and capacity to hope, dream, and fight for a better world.”
Today we announced plans for @browardschools to host virtual graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2020 (Here is the video message: https://t.co/UjdvGBEEQh .) I am proud of all of you for your perseverance and your capacity to hope, dream and fight for a better world! #BCPSGrad pic.twitter.com/Vf1wlNUGpY
— Supt Runcie (@RobertwRuncie) April 22, 2020
After taking a few days to stomach, these changes, Lara Shostack, Florida Gulf Coast University commit and Parkland resident, turned to what she is sure of in these confusing times — the overwhelming strength of the senior class. She knows that the senior class will be able to push through and still make memories while graduating online.
“I think us seniors will take matters into our own hands, and still have an event where we can take pictures and make the best of the situation,” he said.
In response to Runcie’s announcement, students including Kathrine Guerra, of Parkland, said the benefits of keeping people safe outweighed the sadness of not having graduation during this time.
Guerra, along with much of the senior class, understands that safety is the first concern; they hope Runcie and the school board host graduation in a way that’s enjoyable for everyone online while still ensuring everyone’s safety.
Trying to find the positive side in a disappointing end to his final year of high school, University of Florida commit and MiraLago resident Shaunak Maggon believes students should be excited about the future and not let the lack of closure hold them down.
“The focus should not be on the conclusion of this chapter in life, but the beginning of a new future in college.”
However, Trey Patton holds a different perspective. The Florida State University commit and Coral Springs resident said, “It’s unfair that the graduating senior class has to celebrate online after years of hard work we put in; instead of hosting it online, graduation should be postponed.”
Patton, as well as much of the senior class, feel as if celebrating online will not serve justice to the efforts they put in to complete high school and only hope that Runcie and the rest of the school board keep their word and host noteworthy graduation.
Announcements of the date and more information regarding this virtual celebration will take place on Friday, May 1.
Armaan Rajwany, 16, is a sophomore at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He lives in Wyndham Lakes in Coral Springs.
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