Letters to Seniors: Karyn Neubauer
May 25, 2020
Dear Class of 2020,
During this time of quarantine and Coronavirus, you, the class of 2020, possibly more than any graduating class before you, know that the future is unknown. Yet as students, you’ve been here before. Many times you opened the book, picked up the paintbrush or the musical instrument, stepped out onto center stage, sat for the test, or have been the new kid, and despite sometimes feeling shaky and unsure, you took a deep breath, and not knowing how it would turn out, leaned in and took a leap of faith.
Through perseverance, resilience and continued hard work, you’ve made it through high school, and now you are graduating. You should be celebrating the way TA Panthers have for 200 years, but this year is like no other, it’s unique. “Lean in” to that uniqueness and focus on what is good. Use your superpowers. Your hard work and perseverance got you here, and your creativity and sense of optimism will provide the resilience to guide you into the future.
Your family, friends and teachers are so proud of you, and we all want you to know how much we care about each one of you. We want you to experience the feeling of being handed your diploma, the feeling of pride that goes with it as family and friends cheer you on. Whatever the mode of delivery, the pride and sense of accomplishment will still be there.
I graduated high school in Brockton, Massachusetts, one of a class of 1,200 students- yes, twelve-hundred. There were 6,000 students at my school, and I don’t remember the details of the ceremony while seated in the giant football stadium. But I do remember being handed my diploma and my feelings of happiness and accomplishment. The photo I’m enclosing was actually from my junior year, but my attempt at rocking a Farrah Fawcett (“Charlie’s Angels”) hair style also carried through to my senior year! When I think back on high school, what I truly remember are the connections I made, the close tribe of “art nerds” I found and gravitated to in a sea of 6000 students. They were the anchors that I remember with fondness that made school, school, and me feel seen, safe and connected.
I get to see this happen year upon year with each graduating class at TA. The heartfelt speeches and songs that come directly from you are so unique to a TA Graduation, and nothing can stop that. I wish you all happiness, health and prosperity as you walk across the graduation stage and into your life. Congratulations!
Love,
Karyn Murphy Neubauer
Class of 1980