COLUMBUS, Ind. — “A year and a half ago, if you asked me what I was worried most about for my senior year, I probably would have said the switch to block scheduling,” joked Columbus East High School Salutatorian Jaylyn Nelson. “However, in light of the global pandemic, I’m sure all of our priorities have altered.”
Jaylyn and the rest of East’s Class of 2021 held their commencement on the school’s football field Saturday. In spite of a somewhat chilly and damp morning, the in-person setting was undoubtedly a welcome change to most families after last year’s virtual ceremony due to the pandemic.
There were still some visible changes due to COVID-19, including the outdoor setting, masks on participants and a six ticket limit per senior.
And, as one might expect, the event’s speakers did not shy away from addressing the events of the past year. Jaylyn, for instance, talked about how the unexpected circumstances of that time also led to “more personalized” senior projects.
“It is important to remember that change can bring about great success,” she said. “‘Jentezen Franklin said that ‘Impossible odds set the stage for amazing miracles.'”
She encouraged her classmates to hold on to their “determination to defy the odds.”
Prinicipal Mark Newell likewise applauded graduates for their hard work even in these unusual times.
“Each and every one of you has your own unique success story that now includes the challenge of COVID,” he said. “You persevered. You stepped up, met the challenge, and we’re here to celebrate your story.”
Superintendent Jim Roberts commended students for enduring “quite the tumultuous time” and offered encouragement for the next phase of their lives.
“You have arrived at this time, this place, prepared to start this next race of your life, the race that takes you into the real world,” he said.
For the complete story and more photos, see Sunday’s Republic.
