There is no time so dark that it can prevent a ray of light from bursting forth. The darkness before Creation was shattered by God’s command to let there be light. A darkened and sinful world was healed by the blast of light from the tomb of Jesus as He rose again. There are many lesser examples within human actions that also support the idea of light within darkness. One such example is the reaction of the GCS Class of 2020 to the COVID-19 virus and the lockdown.

The buildup of excitement to the senior year of high school can be overwhelming for a teenager. Students enter high school as freshmen and see the senior class go on trips, receive accolades, lead the school, and graduate in great pomp. It is something most teenagers long for. It is a goal that is tantalizingly close for a new high schooler. GCS students witness the traditions of our school and the long line of graduates that preceded them and want to be a part of that while also making it their own. 

This year those traditions have been ripped from the hands of our seniors. They watched as event after event was delayed, modified, and sometimes canceled. Their chance to celebrate their accomplishments and participate in one of their first significant ceremonies was lost. While we should mourn the loss of these rituals for the Class of 2020, take a moment to recognize how they reacted to their loss.They could have wallowed in self-pity and bitterness and could have felt sorry for themselves, but the Class of 2020 did none of these things.

The GCS Class of 2020 responded to their situation with strength, unity, humor, and most importantly, faith. While there were dark days and sad moments along the way, this class held together and supported one another with a unity that sustained them. They took on the challenge of a year of dramatic change and continually worked to take each setback in stride and make the best of it. They stayed focused on the possibilities of what they could do—not what they could not do. 

This class is filled with students of great faith, strong character, and leadership abilities. As an example, each year the high school student body and faculty choose a senior to receive the GCS Spirit Award. This is given to the senior who best exemplifies the “ideals of Grace Christian School.” Nine seniors have received votes. That is almost half the class. Their humor was not lost either. A couple of weeks ago, a senior wrote on a white board at the school, “Best senior prank ever! - Class of 2020” 

Please congratulate this class on an exceptional year...an exceptionally positive year. They are a brilliant ray of light.