ARCHBOLD WEATHER

Graduates: Make The World A Better Place


Just like every other year, high school seniors have received their diplomas in grand ceremonies and are taking their first steps into the world.

But this year was unlike every other year. The threat of the Coronavirus pandemic forced the Class of 2020 out of their classrooms the last several months, and took away so many things, including sports, musicals, clubs, activities, school days spent with their friends– even proms.

While the students may have lost a lot, they didn’t have to give up that age-old tradition–graduation.

The administration and staff of the Archbold and Pettisville school districts made sure at least one touchstone event was still marked with pomp and circumstance, giving graduates a moment on stage receiving the document that certifies successful completion of 12 years of school, and photos that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Both graduations were, as Steve Switzer, Pettisville superintendent, said, “most unusual” with a drive-in format.

Those who conceived of, planned, organized, and executed the firstof their-kind graduations locally deserve praise from all.

The processional of AHS graduates from Archbold to Ridgeville Corners and back provided students in the Class of 2020 a chance to celebrate together, and with their communities. Moms decorated some of the parking spaces at AHS with chalk, and many of the vehicles in the processional were decorated with balloons, paint, garland, photos– anything and everything that showed pride in the accomplishments of their sons and daughters.

Both events demonstrated flexibility on everyone’s part, a trait required of everyone as we’ve coped with the pandemic.

At both commencements, the graduates were happy to be back together one last time, laughing, crying, celebrating their accomplishments together as one. What they have gone through together the last few months will bond them forever.

We wish all students of the Class of 2020 the best as you venture out and make your marks. May you reach your goal of making the world a better place for everyone, where people work together to solve problems and issues, support each other through the bad times, and listen to and respect each other’s views.