Montverde Class of 2020: A fresh perspective

By Andrea Barrows, Addie Gerken, Jean-Francois “Armani” Grimaud, Zayna  JeBailey and  Matthew Karen

Although this year has been a huge departure from what a typical senior year looks like, the Class of 2020 at Montverde Academy has persevered while managing to keep a positive outlook. 

“At the start of senior year, I pictured a full year of memories and the graduation ceremony to finish,” said Matthew Karen, who will attend the University of Richmond. “We would walk across the stage, diploma in hand, and reflect on our time at Montverde Academy with the memories and friends we made over the years. All of the spats, disagreements and differences in opinion would be put aside and we would unite as one graduating class to celebrate our collective achievements and triumphs. 

“From academics to arts, we would come together to celebrate the Class of 2020 and see the conclusion of our time in high school,” Karen said. “While the conclusion of our senior year has not played out exactly as we imagined, I nonetheless walk away with the principle to not fixate on things that I can’t control and take the time to put things in perspective.”

Andrea Barrows, who will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, said she knew she wanted to leave school every day feeling like she did something worthwhile — whether finishing a big project or making someone smile.

“One of my favorite songs is Tim McGraw’s ‘Live Like You Were Dying,’” Barrows said. “While the end of high school is a bit less severe, the message is great for all seniors to hear. It’s especially applicable to this year, as we didn’t know that our last day was our last day. None of us had the ending we had expected to have for our entire lives. Going to school every day like it’s my last is one of the best lessons I have learned this year: Leave nothing unsaid, nothing undone, and leave every day knowing that if you never came back, you would be happy how you left.”

Addie Gerken, who will attend the University of Florida, added that she’s had a lot of time to think since school switched to distance learning. One thing she’s thought about is the concept of “senioritis,” a lack of motivation felt by seniors.

“Although I am quite certain the primary motivation is simply our own laziness, I’ve come to realize it’s also our denial of the inevitable,” Gerken said. “If we push back our assignments and responsibilities, we push back the idea of finishing, moving on (and) leaving our comfortable little bubble of a place. … Our senioritis, in addition to being an excuse for our selfish desires to relax and have fun, is also a mask for our fear. I’ve learned to overcome that fear, and am ready for what’s next.”

Jean-Francois “Armani” Grimaud, who will be attending Columbia College, said his senior year was one of growth and discovery.

“Things don’t always happen the way you expect them to; sometimes life throws you curveballs,” Grimaud said. “This year, I was given many incredible opportunities to grow as a student, leader, musician and friend, allowing me to discover who I am and who I want to be. My senior year didn’t end the way I expected it to, but this ending helped me realize that I did more than just graduate high school. I met people and created relationships that shaped me into who I am today — people who I know will always have my back and support me in my future.”