Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1257515
WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM JUNE 10-16, 2020 UCW 13 Dear senior class of 2020, Graduation season is always one of my favorite times of the year, and this year is no different. While COVID-19 has disrupted our traditional celebration of commencement exercises, it does not minimize this major milestone's significance. You have worked extremely hard over the past 13 years to get to graduation. With support from educators, staff, parents and community stakeholders, nearly 3,500 students will graduate from Cumberland County Schools (CCS) this year. As a school district, it has been our goal to prepare you to be collaborative, competitive and success- ful in our global world. I admire your grit, determination and perseverance to overcome the obstacles you have faced in life — even the challenges presented by COVID-19. Each of you will receive a special cord to wear as you walk across the stage. This cord represents the resiliency shown by you, our 2020 graduates, during this unprecedented time. As you prepare to turn the page and begin the next chapter in life, remain focused on your goals and never give up. Some of you will begin your college career, while others will join the military or the workforce. I look forward to seeing what you accomplish, both personally and professionally. Regardless of which path you take, I am rooting for you to reach your maximum potential. Graduation marks the end of an era, but commencement marks the beginning of something new. So, let's focus on this time as your commencement — commencing your new trails and direction in life. Sincerely, Dr. Marvin Connelly, Jr. Superintendent Dear class of 2020: I know that your senior year did not go at all how you imagined it would. e COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented situation, and I know it has been hard on each of you. I am so proud of this graduat - ing class. Graduation from high school is a tremendous achieve- ment, and all students who gradu- ate deserve an opportunity to be recognized and celebrated. As a school district, we look forward to celebrating with you during the upcoming graduation events. e class of 2020 is special. You all have shown such determina - tion, perseverance and positivity. Be proud of what you have ac- complished. I know the future is bright and that you will all go on to do amazing things in life. On behalf of the Cumberland County Board of Education, I want to congratulate each of you for reaching this milestone. You make us 'Cumberland County' proud! Alicia Chisolm, chair of the Cumberland County Board of Education Congratulations, graduating class of 2020. Wow! You guys are the greatest! Mr. Bowman and I — and everyone from Kidsville News! and Up & Coming Weekly — are proud of every one of you. What lies ahead in your future will be exciting adventures and rewarding experiences that will enrich your lives forever. Your parents and friends are proud of you, too. Don't forget to tell them how much you appreciate their support and encouragement. After all, they appreciated you showing them how to log on to the internet and set up a Facebook account. Just kidding! Watching you receive your diploma is also a proud moment for your principals, counselors and teachers. ey are confident in knowing you are prepared and ready to face the challenges of the real world. Hey, don't laugh. Dragons are pretty smart. After all, we have been around for a very long, long time. I want to share something with you that Mr. Bowman shared with me when I came to live in Fayetteville 25 years ago. Two things worked for me, and I know they will work for you in securing a bright and prosperous future. Ready? One: Do no harm. Two: Always do the right thing for the right reason. Remember and do these two things, and you will be happy and prosperous always. I promise. Best of luck, always! the Dragon and Bill Bowman