Page 114 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2020

FINAL SAY
KATHRYN
McARTHUR Valedictorian, Gautier High School
For the past four years, the graduating class of 2020 has dreamed of our senior prom, senior skip day, walk-throughs
in our former elementary schools, final performances, games, and most importantly, graduation. Just a few months ago, we were all blissfully unaware of what was coming. Everything was normal: we were wishing
we could go home instead of sitting in
a classroom, walking to lunch with our friends, and counting down the days until our final moments with the people we have grown up with. Now, we have been thrown into a situation none of us could have dreamed of. Coronavirus. Social distancing. Online school.
So many moments have been taken from us, forcing us to adjust to a “new normal” during what was supposed to be the greatest months of our high school career. Senior skip day slowly turned into senior skip semester as we have all been forced to watch the remainder of the year slip away.
I know my words cannot erase the pain and disappointment you are feeling, but I hope some of what I say will raise your spirits during this time of great uncertainty. While we cannot get back the time we have lost, we can look forward to the life we have yet to live.
We are now challenged to turn this terrible situation into something positive as we go our separate ways. The class of 2020, no matter what school you are from, has never backed down from a challenge, and I know without a doubt that we will not start now. We will stand tall in the face of adversity and overcome every obstacle in our path. I encourage you, fellow graduates, to choose to spread joy and love in a world filled hate
and animosity. I encourage you to look for the high points in your life, no matter how trivial they may seem right now, and grasp them tightly. Do not
let the fear of the unknown control your actions because you will miss out on an incredible life if you do.
I know this
seems like an
impossible
situation, but
we will all come out of this stronger and more resilient than before. It is hard to summarize the high school experiences
of every senior across the Coast, but I
hope you will all use the lessons you have learned from your unique journeys to
fuel your passions and ambitions. When I moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the third grade, I had no clue how much this community would change me for the better. I am so thankful for everyone that has played a role in shaping me into the person I am today.
To my Gautier family, thank you for the love and support you have provided me through the years. I will always cherish the memories shared and friendships created, and I cannot wait to see how each of you impacts our community, state, country, and world.
114 | June 2020
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