Graduates conquer pandemic challenges

The 54 Groton High School seniors who collectively adjusted and readjusted everything about the final quarter of their last days as Groton students had one more adjustment to make when their traditional Saturday morning graduation ceremony was suddenly changed yet again just two days prior.

GCS Superintendent Margo Martin had already made countless changes to the plan for GHS’ 143rd commencement, seemingly almost daily, as rules related to COVID-19 rolled out.

Just when Martin thought all was finalized, the ceremony needed to be changed one more time due to inclement weather predictions. Thus, the scrambling began to alter the plan to take place at 6 p.m. Friday, June 26 instead.

 

When Martin gave her commencement address to the students from the bleachers at Ross Field, she also expressed her gratitude to their parents and guardians for their unwavering support through all the uncertainty.

“When the district was hearing the message ‘you can’t,’ your message of ‘you can and you will’ kept our energy up and helped us bring this day together,” Martin said.

At long last, and for the first time ever, the Class of 2020 marched from The Caboose to Ross Field, led by the Groton Police Department, passing under the American flag that was proudly flown over them on South Main Street. Joining them were their class advisors, Tracy Cooper and Travis Williams, and one of the Groton Fire Department’s trucks flanking the rear of the procession, all while music was pumped out from the field by Joe Sirvent that could be heard for miles.

As a special surprise to them, the class officers headed the entourage in the horse-drawn carriage owned and driven by Lance and Lester Coit.

Socially distant protocols were cleverly kept as the students held six-foot-long “Groton red” pool noodles as they marched and were seated under a large tent on Ross Field in chairs that were six feet apart, and families were limited to four guests, who were seated together in marked squares that also maintained a six-foot distance between them.

Thanks to the generosity of Fran and Lewie Sovocool, who allowed the district use of their internet connection, the entire ceremony could be livestreamed via YouTube for those who could not be present.

Once the class entered the field, “Pomp and Circumstance” was played by the high school band. Each student had recorded their instruments individually, under the virtual direction of their director, Skyler Roswell, which was then digitally mixed so the recording could be played.

Similarly, Christopher Caza, the high school chorus director, had his students record their parts to the song, “I Will Always Remember You,” which were combined into a single recording that was played.

Averie Roberts, in her role as class president, led all in the Pledge of Allegiance and gave her final address to her classmates.

“Looking back, it is admittedly a bit ironic that we used to decorate our halls with the phrase ‘2020 vision,’ as I do not think any one of us foresaw a global pandemic that would alter the lives of millions,” Roberts said in her speech. “We are the class of 2020, the class that got hit with two illnesses: COVID and senioritis. Ultimately, no matter where we all end up, we have the same roots, and that is this small, rural town of ours.”

In her address as salutatorian, Abby Corcoran challenged her classmates not to strive for perfection, but to instead be vulnerable.

“We are now the rookies in the real world,” she said. “Whether that be the workforce, the military or college, we are all entering a new stage in life. We can either choose to strive to meet perfection by pushing away the necessary exposure, or we can expose ourselves to risks, take chances, go on adventures and be the vulnerable kindergarteners we were 4,679 days ago.”

When Lilly McCormick gave her valedictorian address, she lamented about how challenging the last few months have been but also expressed her appreciation for all who had influenced her in school and outside of school, with a particularly touching tribute to her parents.

Associate Principal Jake Roe also addressed the class and all present, first by citing the list of struggles that were unique to this, his third year in this role.

“You can choose to see these events differently. What if we choose to see these experiences as opportunities?” Roe said.

Roe continued to quote someone who has had an influence in his life.

“Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want,” he said. “Seniors, this year has certainly been full of experiences because you certainly have not gotten what you wanted. Life is going to be full of experiences, and you are never going to always get what you want, but life is about choices and how you choose to see the opportunities you are presented with in life. It is my sincere hope that you all choose to see your life experiences as opportunities.”

Congratulations to each member of the GHS Class of 2020: Julia Belonsoff, Deidre M. Brame, Brooke E. Brecht, Kiersten Buckley, Abby M. Corcoran, Lukas Deuel, Morgan Elizabeth Dittman, Holly Elizabeth Dunham, Destiney M. Dunn, Kade M. Eldred, Hannah M. Empson, Jacob S. Empson, Alexander J. Galbraith, Emmalee Marie Garrow, Kyle T. Gombas, Kaleb R. Goodwin, Shane M. Greenwood, Elijah L. Griep, Cameron J. Hamilton, Charles Thomas Harriger, III, Jaelynne Starr Harriott, Alexis Louise Hatfield, Drew G. Jackson, Clark D. Jacquith, Tanner Karschner, Devon M. Klein, Lillyan Ruth McCormick, Angela Moore, Thomas L. Miller, Cheyenne L. Myers, Brystal Neff, Diego A. Niño, Tori M. Quarella, Nicholas Arthur Radley, Lauren T. Reeves, Gabriella A. Repper, Mason Jeffrey Reynolds, Averie Virginia Roberts, Anthony S. Rotunda, Katie Mae Slaven, Shane M. Smith, Harry A. Stark, Demetrion Tetreault, Caylin Mae Todd, Kinsey A. Townsend, Garrett A. VanBenschoten, Jay D. VanVolkinburg, Jesse J. Vyskocil, Stefanie Lillian Walberger, Maranda Washburn, Linsey Denise Wiley, Kyle Willard, Alyssa L. Willis, Amanda L. Willis and Tyler S. Zinzola.

Groton on the Inside appears weekly. Submit news ideas to Linda Competillo, lmc10@cornell.edu or 607-227-4922.

IN BRIEF:

Groton fireworks

The Groton Community Fireworks show, proudly and generously sponsored by the Groton Fire Department, will still take place this year, albeit in a socially distant manner.

The fireworks will launch between Route 222 and Clark Street at dusk on Thursday, July 2 and will be visible northeast of the village. There will be no access to the field except by GFD staff, and there will be no ground displays. The rain date is Sunday, July 5.

Donations to help defray the cost of this annual spectacular display would be gratefully received at GFD, P.O. Box 96, Groton, NY 13073. Please make checks out to Groton Fire Department.

Groton Olde Home Days

The GOHD committee announced that following the directive of the village of Groton mayor and the village of Groton Board that it has made the heartbreaking decision to cancel Groton Olde Home Days 2020.

The committee looks forward to a bigger and better GOHD in 2021. Playland Amusements will be back Aug. 26-28, 2021, along with all the fun and family shows Groton has come to know and love.

For questions or to be added to the 2021 festival lineup, please contact grotonoldehomedays@aol.com, Flo Allen (607) 280-4233, or Christine Brown Personius (607) 898-3220.