How do I even begin to address the Class of 2020? This year has proved to be unique, to say the least. I know many of you have felt frustration, disappointment, and sadness as the end of the year certainly did not go as planned. However, as a class that has 22 students who earned scholarships, two valedictorians; a record number (30) of cum laude graduates; 38 students going on to higher education; two entering the military; and 52 entering the workforce with a career technical and/or vocational certificate, we are proud! So, despite the turmoil, we applaud these amazing accomplishments.

I imagine that right now our graduates are thinking that they have been short-changed in their final year of high school, but I believe that when they look back on this time in their lives, they will see a much bigger story. I believe they will recognize that the hardship and disappointment they have endured may provide a lesson that withstands all the knowledge they gained in their classrooms. We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character, and character produces hope. These students will be an example and a light for future generations. Not only that, “necessity is the mother of invention.” I see our 2020 grads being the most innovative, creative individuals as a result of their experience this year. While I mourn the lack of “lasts” and traditions our grads did not have, I anticipate great things for their futures!

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our parents, community, students, and staff as they were patient with us, rallied with us, supported us, and helped us to make this year the best it could be despite the circumstances. Although pleasing everyone is an impossibility, we truly thank you for your understanding as we, too, tried to best serve our most precious commodity—our students. I remain in awe at the generosity of this community and am deeply indebted to all who gave of their time and resources to ensure everyone remained safe, healthy, and cared for. As a former history teacher, I wonder how COVID-19 will be recorded; however, I know that local history will show that everyone in the Sandy Valley Community united together to celebrate the Class of 2020!

Congratulations again to the Class of 2020! This is certainly one for the record books, and you won’t soon be forgotten.

David J. Fischer, Superintendent

Stay safe, stay healthy, go Cards!!