Graduation Memories – Congrats Class of 2020!

I\’ve been on quite the stroll down memory lane these last few weeks, and I\’ve decided to continue that journey this week. With school now being out, and seeing all these high school and college graduation photos, it brings back memories of my graduations, and all the good times I had in high school and in college. I definitely feel for all these new graduates out there, not being able to walk across the stage, or celebrate with all their friends and family. It puts a damper on this special occasion, but it\’s awesome how everyone is adapting and making the most out of a crappy situation.

I know I will cherish the memories of my senior year of high school forever, and I will consider myself very fortunate to have been able to participate in all the activities and events that every senior should be able to partake in each year. I\’m just glad this year\’s seniors didn\’t lose the entire school year to this virus!

I\’m happy they still got to have their senior homecoming. That was my absolute favorite part of my senior year. It was still called KiYi when I was there, and I remember getting out of my comfort zone and volunteering to be a speaker during the Legend at the beginning of homecoming week. I was the one who got to read out who our homecoming royalty was, and it was so exciting! I remember how nervous I was to get out in front of the entire school and speak, but it was so worth it. I\’ll cherish that memory forever.

And of course, all the dress up days of homecoming, the Powder Puff football game, and the homecoming football game itself were all memorable in their own way. These are moments I know I will never forget, and the seniors this year will have those memories as well.

Taking senior pictures is a HUGE part of being a senior, and this could probably be done with or without the pandemic – but obviously much more fun without! I\’ll never forget the day Molly and I were able to get all dolled up and take some pictures together – another nice perk of being a twin! I hope all you seniors, and now upcoming seniors as well, are able to still enjoy this fun part of their senior year.

Of course, I know many seniors this year missed out on Grad parties and walking across the stage. Obviously, this sucks big time, but I\’m so glad they were able to do a virtual walk, which was at least better than not being able to walk at all. And the parade they did for the seniors in Watertown this week was sooo awesome! I think they should make that a regular thing. It was such a cool thing to do, and a memory they will cherish for a long time to come.

I don\’t have a ton of pictures from either my high school or college graduation, but the memories will be there forever. It\’s hard to imagine completing such a feat as graduating from school, and not being able to celebrate with your fellow classmates. But, on a positive note, several new traditions are being created due to this pandemic. Maybe some of them will continue long after this over, and some of them will just continue to get better!

To all 2020 high school and college graduates: congratulations on your success and I\’m excited to see what your next adventure will be. I know it\’s hard ending this important year on such a sour note, but just know that finishing is the important part. Celebrate in your own way! Throw yourself a dance party, eat some cake for breakfast, run a marathon or enjoy a marathon of binge watching your favorite TV show. Whatever you do to have a good time, do it! You deserve some time to celebrate your accomplishments. Do what makes you happy. Then gear up and get ready to take on that next step. Whether it\’s college, or the workforce, you will do great things! I\’m excited to see where life takes you all, and I wish you nothing but the best. The best is yet to come!

I hope everyone has a great long weekend to celebrate however you choose to celebrate!

Until next time! 🙂

Megan Reiffenberger