West Orange-area teachers offer Class of 2020 messages of encouragement

Without graduation ceremonies, many teachers didn't get a proper chance to say goodbye to their seniors.


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  • | 9:00 a.m. June 4, 2020
  • West Orange Times & Observer
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Dr. Phillips High School
Chereeka Garner

“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” — George Washington Carver
When you stepped on campus four years ago, you exuded purpose, power and pride, and quickly made a name for yourselves as the Class of 2020. As you transition into your next phase of life, continue to embrace the tenants of purpose, power and pride, and you can achieve all your dreams.

William (Tim) Morse
This graduating Class of 2020 has faced challenges that no other graduating class has ever experienced. Not only have they overcome these challenges, it is my hope and prediction that they are now uniquely prepared to overcome any obstacle they will face in the future. 

Ocoee High School
Amy Anderson

Class of 2020: You are a class that will not easily be forgotten. I am beyond proud of you all and cannot wait to see the things that you will achieve. You are an amazing group of young men and women who, despite what life throws you, continues to thrive.  I love you all. 

Jeff Gallup
For all my High School Stories podcast seniors, keep it going! I am looking forward to hearing your podcasts about your changing worlds. Best of everything to all of you!

Renee Skipper
Seniors of 2020: I am so very proud of every one of you!  There is something very special about this class; you have what it takes to make a difference in the world. You have left your handprints on my heart!!!

Shasaree Hendricks
Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes life meaningful! 
As the Class of 2020 closes this chapter of their lives, they will know that these moments have prepared them for a lifetime. They will “live out their dash” to leave a legacy!

Wendy Cartwright
Class of 2020: You made it! Everyone will look to you as the class that faced distinctive challenges and overcame them. You are a new wave of thinkers that will approach future challenges differently than those before you. You won't take relationships for granted! I can't wait to see what you do with the lessons you have learned. Congratulations!

Olympia High School
Brittany White
OT Grads: I am so very proud of you! You made it! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and know you will succeed when you put your minds to it. Now, go make the world better!

Deepak Shivraman
I am so very proud of all of you and am supremely confident that you will change the world in so many ways! The extraordinary experience of recent months have only forged you into a steel-like mindset. You have learned new skills, challenged your comfort zone and prevailed over much. I can’t wait to hear about how beautiful the next chapters of your lives will be like.

Don Parm
Remember how easy it is to become Babbitt and run from it. Don’t let the Catch-22’s in life stop you. Find your voice and use it. “This above all, to thine own self be true.” Peace, people. Be safe out there.

Gina Solano
I am very proud of each and every one of you for all your hard work and perseverance throughout the school year and especially through Distance Learning. Even though these are tough times, don’t let that stop you. Go out in the world, find your passion and follow your dreams.

Jenny Sandman
Class of 2020, you will be missed! I know we did not get to have an official goodbye, but you are off to do bigger and better things! Your accomplishments are not diminished by what you did not get to experience. Best of luck! 

Karen Antonelli
Olympia HS Class of 2020, The Titan Café Staff has enjoyed fueling your minds, as we wish you nothing but the best in the future. It is your time. Can’t wait to see the difference you make in the world.

Lee Anne Kline
Take time to think about what you’ve learned outside the classroom. You’ll probably find that much more valuable than what you learned in it. Life flies by so quickly. Take time to enjoy each moment. All things that are worth it take time and effort. Continue to follow your dreams!

Olympia HS Athletic Department
Senior Athletes of Olympia High School, 
Thank you for the four hard years of work you put in here to bring a better name to our school and yourselves. We look forward to following you in your post-high school careers and appreciate your service here!

Vivian Triche
Congratulations to the 2020 Graduates of Olympia High School!  Wishing you continued success in the future! 

West Orange High School 
Glyniss Hudson

Class of 2020, CONGRATULATIONS!
 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE Shall direct thy paths” ~ Proverbs 3:5, 6 
Be true to yourself; your word is your bond; be noble in conduct toward others.

Lindsay Konradt
Congratulations seniors! I wanted to wish you best of everything in your endeavors. Remember, the only rules that matter are these: “What a man CAN DO, and what a man CAN’T do.” Play to your strengths and achieve! I’m very proud of you!

Scott & Rachel Fisher
We are proud of you West Orange High School Class of 2020.  
Congratulations and best of luck!

Lisa Terrusa
To Twelve Remarkable Seniors in the WOHS Class of 2020, a poem: 
Johnna and Abby, Katie and Leia,
Julia, Jackson, Sean, and Shaliah,
Jacob and Allison, both of the Graces,
I’m really going to miss your faces.

Melissa Gordon
West Orange Warriors, 
We are so proud of all that you have accomplished! Congratulations Class of 2020. We cannot wait to see all of the great things you will accomplish!

Windermere High School
Aurelie Murray
Félicitations!! Profitez de ces belles années qui s’offrent à vous! :)

Bethany Luker
The pursuit of happiness, everyone desires but struggles to attain. Some believe money will give them happiness. The truth of the matter is happiness is the result of being; kind, peaceful, and thoughtful with others. If you live life this way, happiness is a fruitage of your actions.

Fernando Febres
I strongly encourage you to continue studying and become a research scientist, as the power to change the world may be in your hands.

Gordon Weaver
Congratulations Class of 2020. Remember “life” will happen, will you be ready? Find the work you love, help others get what they want, handle the wealth you create maturely and you’ll be successful. If you’ll live like no one else, later you can live and give like no one else. 

Heather Kelly
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020! Remember that nothing in life is impossible 
as long as you take that first step. Have fun, be successful and be kind.

Kathleen McOwen
Windermere High School Class of 2020: You have had to overcome so many changes in the past four years: moving from WHS, building new teams and traditions, and enduring more challenges to end your senior year. You are amazing and can do anything. I love you and will miss you very much. 

Patricia Barra
Class of 2020: Decide now that you will move onward through disappointment. You will recognize what you’ve missed, but focus on what you’ve gained. Create your own opportunities! Be kind to yourself, your family and others along the way. And, of course, when you stumble, make it part of the dance!

The First Academy
Janell Penny
Congratulations, TFA seniors! No one could imagine how your senior year would end, but we knew you would triumph over any obstacle, and you learned that lessons were not limited to what is found in a textbook. Let these lessons guide you as you make the world a better place. 

Foundation Academy
Lee Anne Smith

I am so proud of you! Your class will be remembered as one willing to serve others, tackle tough challenges, and succeed academically. You have been a superior model for the classes that will follow you. I am so honored to have spent time with you, learning and discussing life’s important lessons together. Your time has come: Go be “salt and light” to the world! My prayers go with you.  Psalm 18:32

Linda Schefstad
I am so proud of you.  I know the Lord has big plans for your life and I can’t wait to see all you’re going to accomplish! May the Lord bless you and make all your plans succeed.

Windermere Preparatory School
Dr. Brenda Fields

Many transitions happen slowly and subtly, and we do not realize we have passed through them until we look back, but high school graduation is usually one of those transitions that we celebrate. You are still celebrating an important rite of passage, and now you get to define it for yourself and reimagine it. The Class of 2020 is full of creative, determined and passionate people who have a mission to find a new way to take the next step forward. How will you embrace this mission? How will you seize the day?

Central Florida Christian Academy
Linda Selman

Graduates, GO FORWARD with confidence! Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. You have so much MORE to look forward to in the future!

The Crenshaw School
Ms. Anna

I want to shout out to all my seniors. You have all worked so hard, and I am very proud of each and every one of you. I also attended and graduated from the Crenshaw School, and I am proud to share my home with you.

Ms. Charolette
It has been a joy and honor to know and work with you to help you to this special time of your life. My prayer for you is God’s blessing, that you will find what you are looking for, and that you will touch others as you have touched me.

Ms. Gaby
My biggest advice to you is to go out and see the world. Travel. You will learn incredible things from the rest of the world. We are all so proud of each and every one of you here at The Crenshaw School. 

Ms. Karen
It has been a great year. I have enjoyed every moment of teaching you. We grew, especially during this significant time that we are living. Each one of you have a brilliant future ahead. Work hard and enjoy each stage of your life.

Ms. Stacy
Even though graduation looked different for you, the achievement is still the same. You put in the same hard work. You learned and grew so much. I am looking forward to wherever life takes you next and feeling so proud of you.  

Ms. Tanya
Congratulations! You made it! It has been my honor to be able to say that I have been a part of your education.  May you be blessed with everything and anything to which you put your mind. You will forever be in my heart.  

Legacy High School
Tim Smith

The faculty and staff are so proud of you, and we congratulate you on your graduation. Remember our creed as you go away from us, and know you are always a part of our family. We are Legacy High School, and we are proudly distinctive; different than most.    

Light Christian Academy
Katelyn Miller
Words cannot express how extremely proud I am of you all! My goal has always been to teach, invest and impact your lives. As I reflect on the last two years, I realize my efforts pale in comparison to the effect you all have had on me. It has been a joy and a privilege to be your teacher. As always, I am in your corner fighting and praying for you. Congratulations Class of 2020!

 

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