T-Falls seniors perservered

SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 10 months AGO

AIDEN MARY Rosales hugs her mom, Christine Leischner, after presenting her a white rose during Sunday’s graduation ceremony at Thompson Falls High School. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)

THOMPSON FALLS Class of 2020 graduates celebrate their big day with the cap toss to conclude Sunday’s ceremony. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)

THE CLASS of 2020 enters the football field at Thompson Falls High School for graduation Sunday afternoon. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)

THOMPSON FALLS Class of 2020 valedictorian Ethan Brown addresses his classmates. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)

THOMPSON FALLS Class of 2020 salutatorian Daniel Ryan asked his classmates, friends and family to observe a moment of silence in memory of George Floyd and Amaud Arbery during Sunday’s graduation ceremony. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)

A brisk wind Sunday afternoon made it a challenge for Thompson Falls’ Class of 2020 during graduation ceremonies, but it wasn’t the most difficult they endured.

As with all graduation classes in the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, students missed out on traditional events which signify their final time with classmates they grew up.

“We were born into a world recovering from 9/11 and we’re graduating in the midst of a pandemic,” valedictorian Ethan Brown said.

Brown was thankful for the support of parents, community members and school faculty, including Principal Rich Farris.

“He’s been a consistent, dedicated supporter from the beginning and he’s always had our best interests at heart,” Brown said.

Salutatorian Daniel Ryan told his classmates to “know there’s always someone in your corner.”

Ryan asked the assembled group for a moment of silence in memory of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, two African American men “who passed away due to the actions of some and the inaction of others.”

Graduation speaker Cory Kump, a fifth-grade teacher, spoke of fond memories of the students from past years.

He also exhorted them to “go fishing!”

“The benefits of fishing are numerous, enjoying nature, spending time with family, vitamin D are undeniable,” Kump said.

Graduate Ryan Schraeder led a moment of silence for those who passed away in the last year, including Luke Comerford, former superintendent Bill Cain and Hot Springs 6-year-old Harlee Calmi.

The Class of 2020 included 40 graduates, many of whom earned scholarships, which totaled $592,272.