Salutatorian Evan Bartels views P.H.S. Class of 2020 as "Strong, resilient and adaptable"

Salutatorian Speech

Evan Bartels

First, I want to welcome and thank everyone for coming. This is definitely not how any of us imagined how our graduation would go, but it will definitely be something we never forget.

I also want to thank our teachers, advisors, parents, and our community. Everyone put a lot of effort into making this happen, and towards making this feel as normal as possible and we are all very grateful for what all has been done.

School is an experience, and it's different for everyone. Some have been here in Pomeroy all their lives, and others experienced other schools before here. Some people play sports and are involved in other activities in school such as FFA or FBLA, while others show up happy to see and hang out with their friends.

No matter what you do or what you have done at school, it is your school experience.

Our senior year will be something we will never forget, and for what reasons is up to us to decide, but although our senior year may not have ended how we wanted, I am sure that most everyone will look back at our high school experience and wish we could go back, and re-live some of the best moments.

The spirit weeks, the dances, the dodgeball tournaments, going to state, and for some, even winning a state championship.

But alas, these will all just be memories, as we move forward there is much more we must do, and whatever life may throw at us we can handle!

Over these past three months, we have shown how strong, resilient, and adaptable we are at whatever comes our way, it is not an easy transition from normal to online school, but we did it. It is difficult to stay focused on school while staying at home, but we have done it. Nobody has ever had to experience a graduation like this, but we are.

Each and every one of us has different goals and plans after high school, and after living through a pandemic, I'm sure that each and every one of us can pursue and complete their future goals and plans.

This year has been a rollercoaster of emotion for all of us, but I am glad to be graduating with everyone here as a 2020 graduate.