In the United States, high school is idealized and immortalized on television and movie screens, comic books and novels. From preteens to boomers, from High School Musical to Twilight, mainstream or counterculture, high school is supposed to be the most impacting time of people’s lives — especially senior year.
Everything from first love to students’ first steps towards independence and adulthood take place during high school.
And senior year, that is the peak.
The stress of building grade point averages (GPAs) and competitive resumes, studying for the SAT and applying to college gives way to Grad Bash, prom and finally, what makes everything worthwhile: graduation.
Not very much pomp, under the circumstances
Like all schools, Miami Lakes Educational Center’s (MLEC) class of 2020 endured many challenges this school year as a result of the Coronavirus (Covid-19). They adjusted to online or distance learning and missed out on all the big milestones: prom, grad bash, and graduation (just to name a few).
However, students and staff were resilient. They recovered and made the best of the situation.
“I think MLEC has been doing as much as they honestly can,” said Natalia Reboredo, class of 2020 president. “It’s hard trying to make up for physical events,” she continued.
Although MLEC celebrated spirit week in the fall, the class of 2020 missed out on their senior spirit week, which normally kicks off on college signing day.
Virtual celebrations replaced in-person ones
Students were asked to attend a virtual college signing and post pictures online with the hashtag #MLECSeniorSpiritWeek of their favorite memory, senior photos, a mask they decorated, grad bash outfits, and of their quarantine prom.
A virtual prom was even organized on Instagram live with DJ Ray Costa and DJ Ivanco.
“The virtual prom we held was fun. It was nice seeing my classmates in the chat and enjoying themselves with the DJ,” Reboredo said.
Not to mention all the pictures and videos that were reposted on the class of 2020 Instagram page of memories from the school year.
The class president, Natalia Reboredo, shared her letter to the senior class on The Harbinger’s website.
Cap and gown distribution became a celebration
Cap and gown distribution usually consists of a trip to the activities office; but, this year, it was an opportunity to demonstrate their resiliency. Many Jaguars drove through with decorated cars, wearing their class shirt, and waving posters and banners.
They were welcomed with balloons, a DJ and celebratory signs.
As they drive through the loop today, for the last day of cap and gown distribution, not even the rain can dampen their spirits. Today, this cap and gown distribution will continue.
https://twitter.com/mlecjaguars/status/1268196468151779328?s=21
There’s no doubt that this school year has been far from easy, especially for the seniors. But MLEC’s staff has tried to normalize these difficult times in all our lives as much as possible. Even though it’s not the same as having these events in person, it’s the best they can do.
And some would say they did a pretty good job at it, too.
Ms. Castro and Ms. Chavis were among the Jaguars there to greet and celebrate the #ClassOf2020 🎓 pic.twitter.com/zUjvITHW4M
— The Harbinger (@HarbingerMLEC) June 2, 2020
Whose class is it? Both of the #ClassOf2020’s principals battling it out for the seniors. Once a Jaguar, always a Jaguar. Ms. Diaz and Mr. Fernandez join forces, to congratulate their #ClassOf2020. 🐆#JaguarPride #MDCPSGrad🎓 pic.twitter.com/mLrkf9ofXF
— MLEC (@MLECJaguars) June 2, 2020
#JaguarPride pic.twitter.com/B8teMM4HMd
— MLEC (@MLECJaguars) June 2, 2020
