Dear Class of 2021,

Senior year is always bittersweet, but yours will likely remain in the memory of all of us for years to come.  Your senior year will be remembered more for what it wasn’t than for what it was, but you . . . with your optimism and relentless spirit . . . with your dedication and work ethic . . . with your youthful passion and inclusive culture . . . you will be remembered for what you did–NOT what you didn’t.

You are the ones who will break old habits and create new traditions.  You are the change that will drive us forward.  You are the spark that will ignite a new vision of what CAN be.  And you are the courage to look in the mirror and see our flaws so they may be addressed.

It seems fitting to end this message with a call to action . . . something like “stay strong” or “go out into the world and make us proud.” But you already have.  So instead, let’s agree to think a little differently, to lead with kindness, and to build each other up so we can face whatever challenges await and do so with confidence and grace.  And as much as you are defined as the Class of 2021, so shall you be the definition of class.

Godspeed