By Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Due to restrictions on public gatherings caused by COVID-19, Lord Botetourt High School held a virtual graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 last week. Normally, the school’s graduation ceremonies are held at the Salem Civic Center.
To help celebrate the momentous occasion for the graduating class, Matthew Ramsey, a Botetourt native and the lead singer of the band Old Dominion, provided encouragement and words of wisdom.
“I’m here to say congratulations to you because you’ve worked so hard for so long to get to this moment,” he said. “Take a moment before you start worrying about what you’re going to do next or where you’re going to go. Take a moment. Take lots of moments to be proud of yourself.”
He went on to urge the graduates to be proud of their community and where they’re from, which he described as being “one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
He ended his comments by urging them to zealously pursue their dreams.
Zander LeNoir, SCA president of the Class of 2020, noted that, “This graduation ceremony, to put it lightly, is unconventional, different, unprecedented, nontraditional. Because of all of the upheaval this year and recent months, we’re hearing a particular phrase more and more—we’ve never done it this way before. I’m here to tell you that’s not a bad thing. Our graduating class is anything but traditional. Our Class of 2020 was taught that a degree from a four-year university is not the only path forward. Our Class of 2020 was some of the first to see the integration of technologies into the classroom through Chromebooks, tablets, and Smart Boards. Our Class of 2020 witnessed and were involved in movements of positive change across the nation.”
He stressed that now more than ever is a moment for the graduates to celebrate what they’ve experienced, where they’re going, and how far they’ve come.
Michelle Crook, the chair of the Botetourt County School Board, said, “When I became chairman this year for the year 2020, I was excited because it’s going to be a historic moment in our county’s history. Botetourt County is celebrating its 250th anniversary. I thought this is going to be so special for the Class of 2020 to be part of this unique milestone in our county’s history.”
She noted that a 250th anniversary commemorative seal is located on the diplomas for the Class of 2020, which was designed by a senior who resides in the county.
Despite her excitement at the beginning of the year, Crook explained that the county’s celebration and the graduates’ senior year came to an abrupt halt in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I feel so much sympathy for the Class of 2020,” she said. “At such a young age, you’ve had to experience disappointment unparalleled to any class preceding you.”
Crook went on to ask that the graduates plan to return for a traditional in-person graduation once safety restrictions on public gatherings are removed. “Congratulations on making this 13-year journey. I’m counting on you to keep your promise so that I can personally thank you on stage,” she said.
Andy Dewease, the principal of Lord Botetourt High School, said, “While we are not in our traditional setting for graduation in the arena at the Salem Civic Center, I know families are together with their graduate and the feeling of accomplishment and pride are still very strong.”
Alysia Sanchez-Huerta, the salutatorian for the Lord Botetourt Class of 2020, noted that her and her fellow graduates’ senior year didn’t go as planned. “But that’s life,” she said. “Things in life are going to happen that are unavoidable, unexplainable, and often unwanted, but through those experiences we are going to learn how to persist.”
She plans on pursuing a degree in biology at the College of William and Mary.
In her address, Jessica DuVall, the valedictorian for the Lord Botetourt Class of 2020, recounted how she focused the vast majority of her energy during the start of high school on academics, but eventually found a balance when she started sports and became more sociable. “One thing we all need to make it through life is balance—balance in the meals you eat, balance in the things you do, balance between working and playing,” she said. “You’ve probably heard it before, but it really does make life more alive and vibrant.”
She went on to encourage her fellow graduates to strive to build bonds with others.
She plans on pursuing a degree in animal and poultry sciences at Virginia Tech.
Dr. Larry Massie, interim superintendent of Botetourt County Public Schools, issued the following statement on May 6, “There will be a traditional, in-person graduation held for James River High School and Lord Botetourt High School just as soon as the Governor of Virginia will allow large gatherings of people. It is not possible to determine the date of the traditional exercises at this time, but be assured that they will take place as soon as possible.”
The following awards were announced during the ceremony:
Department Awards
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Art: Natalie Emerson
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Band: Steven Harris
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Business: Lauren Hoffman
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Choir: Amy Parris
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English: Jessica DuVall
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Family and Consumer Sciences: Madelyn Badgley
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Marketing: Evan Eller
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Mathematics: Alex Hawkins
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Physical Education: Taylor Robertson
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Science: Alex Hawkins
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Social Studies: Ethan Webster
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World Languages: Ashby Dunbar
Cavalier Award
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Male Athlete: Evan Eller
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Female Athlete: Miette Veldman
At the end of the ceremony, photos and the names of all of the graduates were displayed.
