Dear BRHS and WMHS 2020 graduates,

Here’s hoping that the COVID-19 pandemic is the biggest curve ball you will face in your lives. The pandemic is a hard-breaking curve that made all of our knees buckle and left us frozen at the plate. Ninety-nine percent of us have never seen anything like it. It is not a strikeout pitch but it made us step out of the batter’s box to ponder “what’s next?” Hopefully, we’ve got plenty of innings to go and a lineup of solutions to champion this scourge.

After graduation, you’ll be rookies in the adult world. Your parents and teachers have done their best to prepare you for the big league, and you have worked hard to get your turn in the field. Some of you will go on to better your skills at college or in the military, while others are coming out of the “dugout of schooling” and want to learn from the veterans of work.

We wish you the best of luck as you walk out of your high schools for the last time. The communities are rooting for you and are proud of what you have accomplished so far. Your graduation ceremonies aren’t what they were supposed to be, but you will learn that the ball doesn’t always bounce true in this thing called life.

So, whenever you think you might see another curve ball coming your way, think back to 2020 and how you and others were able to adjust, persevere and change the game in your favor.

Be proud, be diligent and step up for yourselves and others. But most of all, be safe until this ugly game is won.