Dear Mrs. Williams and teachers,
What a year!
I saw today that the governor has closed the school down for the rest of the year, including graduation. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how I feel about it. My anger cannot be expressed in words or actions, it must simply be.
My year was cut short. This was my year.
As you can imagine, I don’t want to do “school” anymore. I don’t want to participate in the online classes. I don’t want to go through this season. I don’t want to bear this load any longer.
But I will. I will continue to learn. I will continue to be a student. I will continue to participate because I will, some day in the future, graduate high school.
I will graduate and become a freshman in college. I will attend that school so that I can learn. I will learn so that I can make a living for myself and my new family. And this too shall pass.
I’m sorry that we didn’t get to spend these last few weeks together. I’m sorry that the Spring Concert will not happen because I finally had a solo!
My time in high school was similar to everyone else’s. I had a good run. I was able to finish my sport, cross country, uninterrupted even by the ferry. I have some of the best friends anyone could ever ask for. I have some of the best teachers anyone could ever ask for. I miss you all.
Some tell me that it is okay to not be okay with this. But, as you all know, I love to debate even (and especially) with myself. So, throughout this entire time, I have been arguing with myself. (You may even be able to pick up on that within this email!) I am not okay with this, but I recognize that it may be necessary.
But I don’t care. (Is that okay to say?) I wanted to finish my time in high school, just like everyone else. I wanted to walk across the stage, switch the tassel from side to side, and toss my hat up into the air. I wanted to stand alongside the back of the gymnasium and get lots of pictures. I wanted to attend Safe and Sober with my friends. I wanted, excuse me, want, so much.
I realize that none of you have any power over this situation. I realize that this is an impossible situation, similar to what the ancient Greeks wrote about. I realize that you are probably over how long this is, but I wanted to express myself to you in the best way I know how.
The Centennial Class of Cordova, gone before its time.
Sincerely,
William Deaton
President, Class of 2020
