East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

By Supt. Rachel Gwinn

POMEROY–It was at first a dark and stormy afternoon, but to everyone's delight, the weather soon lightened up to provide relief from the blustering wind and heavy rain. It was then, when during the Class of 2020 graduation ceremony that School District Superintendent Rachel Gwinn presented her take on the many things which manifested this year's graduating class. She spoke of the three highly influential retiring teachers, the pandemic and the impact it imposed, the present circumstances, but most of all, the future...

Before I begin my message to the class of 2020, I want to recognize some amazing people who have made an impact on hundreds of students, staff and our community. We have three of the greatest educators retiring this year. Marcus Pederson, Sanford Bates and Sandra Bates. Three educators who will never be replaced, never be forgotten, and will always be admired and appreciated.

Marcus Pederson, thank you for sharing your passion and love for music with all of us. Thank you for never giving up on those who had no business in the music world (myself included), and thank you for being the best band director in Garfield County. There will never be another "Mr. Pederson".

Sanford Bates. Where do I start? Thank you for being my favorite teacher, Trent's favorite teacher and I am sure many others. Thank you for taking the time to build relationships with students, thank you for teaching them that is okay to step outside of the box...thank you for being the jungle cat who you are. There will never be another "Mr. Bates".

Sandra Bates, oh how everyone loves Mrs. Bates. You are the most kind-hearted, loving and talented teacher that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. The time, compassion and commitment you have given to EVERY one of your students is evident and has made a difference in their lives. You have inspired many and have loved all. You will be missed. There will never be another "Mrs. Bates".

To the class of 2020....I wish that I could have changed the way the year ended. I wish I could have had some sense of control so you 22 graduates could have ended your high school career the way you imagined it to end. But, I couldn't.

We have learned that COVID-19 has changed and controlled many things over the past three months. However, I want you to know it can't control how we react to the situation and how we choose to move forward. You have the power, You have the control.

My hope for each of you is that you take this expericne and make what you have learned meaningful. My hope is that you no longer take for granted that jug or handshake. My hope is that you recognie the importance of the time you were given to relax and spend with family. My hope is that you have learned that life is full of disappointments, but those disappointments do not define you––they empower you.

Soon the memory of your senior year, graduation and the summer of 2020 will be but a blip. One day you will look back and remember how you weren't supposed to be with your friends, but did anyway. You will look back and realize, you did make memories, great memories, memories that never would have been made had you not experienced COVID-19.

Le this experience EMPOWER you. Do not let it CONTROL you. You are the class of 2020...you survived quarantine...now go out and take on the world––because nothing can stop you but YOU!