Early in 2019, the Bedford School Department set Graduation for the Class of 2020 on Thursday, June 4.
The last day of in-person classes was Thursday, March 12, before Covid-19 and a mandated stay-at-home order turned the world on its ear. Classes switched to online learning, and the rest is history.
To honor Thursday, June 4, this story is posting just after 6 pm on 6/4/2020. Superintendent Sills, Principal Galante, METCO Director Mondesir, and School Committee Chair Santiago have checked in with messages to you, the BHS Class of 2020.
From Superintendent Jon Sills
Dear Class of 2020,
Already unique in so many ways, and so respected for your kindness and generous hearts, you will go down in history as the senior class that had to weather the coronavirus storm.
Thank you for your positivity in the face of the disappointments you have had to encounter. On the very eve of your final BHS days, you have witnessed a degree of multi-racial student activism that is unprecedented in our country, as young people (and old as well) everywhere are saying no to racism.
Wherever you are on the political spectrum, I hope you are — or will become — an active citizen. We need your voice.
Finally, as my last graduating class before I retire, I am proud to be joining you all in turning another page.
Best of luck,
Mr. Sills
From BHS Principal Heather Galante
Dear Seniors,
Today is the day that you were scheduled to graduate from Bedford High School.
I am thinking of you on what was to be a day of celebration and a day for new beginnings.
Very few classes have had to navigate such difficult circumstances at the end of their high school careers.
I hope you know how impressed I am by all of you. You have handled our abrupt departure, the loss of traditions and the challenges of a nationwide pandemic with grace, character, and understanding.
Our BHS faculty and staff also feel as if they missed out in this. The Class of 2020 impacted us and our school community in such a profound way. We would have wanted to share our admiration and gratitude for you in person and in school. I would have wanted to thank all of you in person for helping me through my first years as a principal.
I have learned so much from all of you.
I am thrilled that we will be able to host the graduation ceremony on Sunday, July 19 at 10 am.
On Saturday, June 6, the town of Bedford will pay tribute to the Class of 2020 for the Bedford Class of 2020 Celebration. Next week, The Bedford Citizen is paying tribute to your class with a souvenir edition. Please be sure to look for it.
I look forward to seeing you all at graduation. However, know that I am carrying all of you in my heart today and the Class of 2020 is never far from my thoughts.
Warmly,
Mrs. Galante
From METCO Director Akil Mondesir
Congratulations to the BHS seniors including METCO Program graduates Christina Delgado, Ibrahim Muhammad-Denson, Sage Hull, Jonathan Pierre, Esmeralda Puello, Germaine Ross, and Aaliya Valentine.
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This journey has taken you all from 5 am wake up calls to graduating in the midst of a pandemic and now the midst of the world, changing right in front of your eyes. I hope that you all have fond memories of the times that you’ve spent riding the bus, attending classes, and participating in extracurricular activities.
You all have the ability to wake this world up and I’m eagerly waiting to see the spark that you create!
Congratulations again, Class of 2020!
Akil Mondesir
From School Committee Chair JoAnn Santiago
Congratulations to Bedford High School Class of 2020!
Graduating high school marks a significant achievement for each student.
It is the culmination of years of hard work in classes, on the stage, on the athletic fields, and in extracurricular activities. Celebrating without the usual traditions does not lessen this accomplishment, nor the pride family, friends, and the community feel in the graduates this year.
I wish every member of the class success as they embark on careers or prepare for college, and look forward to celebrating the seniors during Saturday’s BHS Class of 2020 Celebration Day.
Mrs. Santiago
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