'They have persevered'
ADAMS TWP — About 235 Mars Area seniors participated in a graduation ceremony Friday evening that — true to the times — was modified to fit pandemic precautions.
“COVID-19 completely upended everything about our typical graduation,” said Lindsay Rosswog, high school principal. “Every decision was made with first safety and then a special celebration for all the students together in mind.”
Those decisions were group efforts, according to Rosswog.
The planning process began with the district's usual three-teacher team: Dave Kuremsky, Gabe Hock and Ashley Tosadori. Then district officials spoke with senior class officers and administration before making suggestions to the school board and superintendent.
In the end, the district opted for a ceremony that celebrated all graduates at once.
With one vehicle permitted per family, seniors arrived in the high school parking lot around 5:30 p.m. and parked in assigned spots.
During a ceremony that lasted about 90 minutes, seniors received their diplomas in sight of their families and paraded along a marked route. Many families arranged chairs and decorations in open spots left between vehicles. A DJ monitored sound for the speeches and music.
“I'm looking forward to seeing how different it is,” said Kamryn Kolson, a senior planning to attend Duquesne University for nursing, before the ceremony. “We'll be able to remember (this) forever.”
Giving seniors their due still is one of the most important things a district can do. At least, that's how Mars Area saw things, according to Superintendent Wesley Shipley.
“We wanted to find a way to honor their graduation in a personal way,” Shipley said. “We wanted it to be more than a virtual occasion.”“I think it's a really cool idea,” said Shelby Paga, whose family and a good friend watched from camp chairs as she received her diploma.“Definitely memorable,” said Lynn Paga, her mother.Shelby said she wants to attend the Community College of Allegheny County for psychology. Her sister, Taylor, graduated from Butler County Community College this year. The Pagas said they're proud of both girls. When things calm down for the summer, they're going to celebrate.“We just got to figure out how,” Lynn said.Teacher Jennifer Kennedy and guidance counselor Colleen Tosadori were two district personnel who assisted with Friday's commencement.Kennedy said one thing that surprised her about the whole event was how well people paid attention to signs, arrows and district officials for following the graduation setup.“Everyone's following directions,” Kennedy said. “(It's) so great.”“It's very organized,” Tosadori said.Shipley indicated one of the biggest challenges students — not just seniors — faced this semester was quickly shifting from a traditional to online classroom platform. Mars students and staff were successful, according to Shipley.
“Everyone demonstrated patience and flexibility for a common cause,” Shipley said.“It's been bizarre,” said senior Ryan Peaco. “But I think the teachers and students did the best job they could.”“It's been interesting to see how well the teachers have been able to prepare us,” Kamryn said.One of the things that's stood out for Rosswog about the class of 2020?“The number of emails and positive comments we have gotten from this class,” Rosswog said, “thanking others for trying to make something special for them.”In Rosswog's eyes, this year's seniors are adaptable and hopeful. Despite obstacles, they've maintained their learning and achieved their end goal.“I always believed that our senior year would be something special, but who knew that we'd be graduating during a global pandemic?” said Brooke Dean in her speech as class president. “This might be the most unique class in the history of Mars High School.”In a series of pre-recorded speeches played over loudspeakers for the ceremony, Shipley reminded graduates nothing — good or bad — lasts forever.Of all people, according to Shipley, this year's seniors know what it's like to have ups and downs.“They have persevered,” Shipley said. “This is a resilient class.”“Take advantage of the time,” Kamryn said she'd tell next year's senior class. “It flies by.”
