After a tumultuous 2020 when COVID-19 disrupted both classroom instruction and graduation exercises, hundreds of seniors returned to normalcy in recent days through ceremonies celebrating both their academic achievements and overcoming the pandemic.
Yet the coronavirus loomed over the proceedings held at various campuses across Surry County, as was the case Saturday morning during Mount Airy High School’s commencement program.
“Wow, what a year it has been,” Valedictorian Brooke Lankford told a large crowd assembled on the school’s football field, saying COVID-19 had provided an educational experience in itself.
“I learned that staying positive can make all the difference.”
Such comments were echoed at other commencement programs all around the county — collectively recognizing the fact…
