“This is My Message to You”:  An Open Letter to Talawanda’s Class of 2020

“This is My Message to You”:  An Open Letter to Talawanda’s Class of 2020

Dear class of 2020:

There’s a refrain from a song that has been playing over and over in my head this spring that I wish I could play for each of you.  I know you’ve heard it — it’s “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley:

Don’t worry about a thing

Every little thing is gonna be alright

You are Talawanda’s class of 2020.  You are the resilient and witty scholars that I first met in 2016 when you timidly walked the halls of THS during freshman orientation trying to open lockers that you would never wind up using and trying to find classrooms that would become your second homes.

Trust me, I know what it has meant that THS has been closed these last months of your senior year — its hallways, classrooms, athletic fields, and stage have become your second home.  You haven’t been able to see the teachers, administrators, custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, coaches, advisors, and friends that have become your extended family.

We miss you terribly.  If I’ve learned anything as a teacher, it has been that we look forward to seeing you just as much, if not more, than you look forward to seeing us.

We’ve especially been looking forward to celebrating commencement with you, THS class of 2020, because you are an amazing group of young people that we have had the privilege of watching grow into competent and fantastic young adults.  It has been an honor to be a small part of your big lives.

I know that it is daunting to commence into the uncertain world right now, but there’s one certain thing:  Everything little thing is gonna be alright because you’re Talawanda graduates.  You are kind, bright, and brave.

Congratulations THS class of 2020.  I am so proud of you.  As you turn your tassels know that you have left an indelible mark on our hearts.

Always Your Teacher,

Amanda “Waxy” Weatherwax