A Class Like No Other, Shared by 26,407 Others
By Gene Kalb
As the Bedford High School Class of 2020 finishes their time at BHS in the midst of a pandemic, it is truly a surreal end to their long journey to graduation. This class started their senior year in the same way as all the previous Bedford senior classes. The fall was busy with tests and college applications, and just as the fun part of being a senior was about to start, it all came crashing down. When the decision was made to close the schools in March, there was still the hope that we could return to normal. Unfortunately, not. No prom, no spoons, no all-night grad, no fill in the blank.
The Covid-19 pandemic has truly made the BHS class of 2020 unique in many ways. Unique in terms of Bedford High School, but part of a national, even international, shared experience. There are roughly 26,407 other high schools in the United States, 26,407 senior classes all in the same boat, all trying to figure it out. All had their lives take a turn to the surreal. There is a sense of community and commonality that will bind this class together forever. Has there ever been such a shared experience of an entire class? A commencement speech by a former president? Seniors appearing on TV, and so much more.
The Covid class (working title) will be defined, not for what they missed out on, but how they made new traditions, how they figured out a way to stay close all while social distancing.
It’s also a story about how our community came together to honor these students.
This is totally making lemonade out of lemons, but this class, both at BHS and throughout the country, are truly trailblazers.
We hope you enjoy this special section dedicated to you, the class of 2020, and we wish you the best to come.
TRIBUTES
Messages for the Class of 2020 ~ Thinking of You Today
A Letter from Mrs. Galante ~ Looking Back to March 11
“The Gallant Buccaneers”: Teacher Jim Felker Writes a Musical Salute to the Class of 2020
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New Beginnings and Sad Endings: A Letter from Class President Jonathan Pierre
Patrick Morrissey Selected As Faculty Graduation Speaker
Hannah O’Connor Selected as BHS Graduation Speaker
The Honorable Kenneth Gordon, Bedford’s State Representative writes to the Class of 2020
AWARDS
Bedford High School Class of 2020 Awards Ceremony
The 55th Annual CSF of Bedford Awards ~ 2020
COMMUNITY
Bedford Being Bedford ~ Support a Senior ~ Community Spirit and the Class of 2020
Caps and Gowns and Ups and Downs
Celebration Day ~ Saturday, June 6
Recognizing Bedford Students in the Class of 2020 at Shawsheen Tech
SPORTS
Saluting Bedford’s Spring Athletes ~ 2020, the Vanished Season
Celebrating Senior Night ~ Buccaneers Baseball, 2020
MARCH 11
The Long Goodbye – Cut Short – The March 11th Project
The Long Goodbye – Cut Short – The March 11th Project – Continued
VOTING
The First Time I Voted