A global pandemic couldn’t stop University High School’s graduates from walking across the stage and being handed their diplomas on Thursday — and despite its best effort, neither could the rain.
As Valedictorian Emma Williams stepped up to the mic to give her speech, the wind picked up and rain clouds lurking behind Mylan Pharmaceuticals Stadium released their stores onto UHS staff, soon-to-be-graduates and their families.
“This is extremely fitting for the class of 2020,” Williams said.
About an hour later, the rain was over, the sun was shining, faculty wiped the chairs of their former students dry and the ceremony resumed. The sun set behind the graduates as their names were called.
Principal Kimberly Greene said 226 of the school’s 285 graduates walked.
When Williams moved from Preston County to Monongalia County the summer before starting seventh grade she was nervous. However, through the years she watched as a school and people she was wary of became her home.
While at UHS she met the most kind people, in a supportive environment filled with uplifting teachers and staff.
“I think I speak for a lot of us when I say that I didn’t even realize until recently how deep my affection for UHS goes,” Williams said. “And now our time here is at an end. It feels hard and unfair to say that. I feel cheated and I’m sure some of you do, too.”
The class of 2020’s entire high school career was filled with unusual circumstances, starting with 2016’s divisive election, followed by multiple teacher walk-outs and ending with a global pandemic, Williams said.
Those circumstances have left the class of 2020 uniquely prepared to go into the world, she said.
“From our teachers we’ve learned not only the subjects they were meant to teach but we learned the importance of self-advocacy and unity against injustice,” Williams said. “We learned that together many small voices can make an impact. We learned that together we can stand 55 strong.”
COVID-19 taught the graduates how to savor small moments, appreciate their friends, and enjoy the journey to the destination while working for the collective good, Williams said.
For 17-year-old Megan Tenney, the next step in her journey will be studying human nutrition and foods at West Virginia University.
“I just remember like the first day of school walking in and being like ‘oh wow, this is crazy, this is huge’ and now it’s just normal.”
Greene said the class was positive despite everything they’ve endured, even through the rain delay. And they’ve come through it all with flying colors, she said.
“I’m just very proud of them and I’m glad we got to have their graduation ceremony,” Greene said. “Because they deserved it.”
Despite the weather, the ceremony was appreciated by students.
“It’s obviously the best way to do it,” Michael Maumbe, 18, said of the outdoor ceremony.
The next part of his journey will take him to the University of West Florida where he will play basketball on a full scholarship.
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Valedictorian Emma Williams speaks during the graduation at University High on Thursday. 
Students take their seats during the graduation at University High on Thursday. 
Cameron Cale receives his diploma during the graduation at University High on Thursday. 
Students take their seats during the graduation at University High on Thursday. 
Sterling Gibson speaks during the graduation at University High on Thursday. 
Students take their seats during the graduation at University High on Thursday.
