Graduation Speech to the Class of 2020:

Welcome, parents, staff, school directors, community, and Class of 2020. I am proud to address you as graduates of Perkiomen Valley High School. You will make history and be forever remembered as the class who survived your senior year during such unprecedented times. My message to you focuses on how you might discover the positives in unusual and difficult situations. In life, I encourage you to make every effort to find advantage in adversity.

I am proud of your flexibility, your ability to adapt and to continue your learning this spring. That was not easy. Over the last few weeks, you have certainly learned how to “do school differently” as we embarked upon our Virtual Voyage. To shift from learning in a traditional classroom setting without any transition into a virtual environment is challenging - but you did it. Maybe you put yourself in a position of advantage by discovering qualities in yourself as a learner that confirmed your strengths and readiness for what comes next; no matter where you may be headed after Perkiomen Valley High School.

There are other positive aspects of your school year and our current situation. From ones that include getting to sleep in a bit later on school days to developing stronger connections with family and friends while apart. You found new and interesting ways to stay connected with friends at a time when you had to stay physically distant. And just maybe you found yourself with more time to focus on a talent unique to you.

These times have certainly taught us the advantages of being a part of a community such as ours, one that possesses such wonderful human spirit and willingness to serve. The ways in which many of you as well as others have stepped up in times of need has been inspiring. Time after time, we have heard stories of people in Perkiomen Valley putting others before themselves by delivering food, donating money, making masks, and creating poignant videos to commemorate milestones and experiences. Many of you joined in or spearheaded these efforts, and gave us another reason to be PV proud.

I am confident you will continue to make us proud. I encourage you to discover ways to remain positive when circumstances present as quite negative. Continue to consider the needs of others before yourselves and keep doing good. Maintain your strong spirit and in times of doubt, just believe. When life challenges you again, remember how you dedicated yourselves this school year; how you endured, persevered, and discovered a grit you may not have known you possessed. Continue to build upon these attributes as you prepare to take your next steps.

Let’s face it - your senior year did not play out the way you envisioned it. There were disappointments and setbacks for those of you looking forward to milestone events. However, you have overcome adversity and I believe come out stronger and more ready for what comes next.

Class of 2020, you are PV strong and I am proud of your accomplishments. I wish you the best in whatever it is you pursue next, and thank you for all that you have contributed to Perkiomen Valley. 

Congratulations and be well.