A speech with rhyme to mark this important time

Following is an abridged version of the address given by salutatorian Tatum Kearns at the Gloucester Catholic High School commencement on June 3.

Today I am tasked with a difficult task: to take the past, trace its path, until, at long last, it leads me to today. How did we get here? What helped us get through such a difficult year? It was only with the Gloucester Catholic community! Our masks blocked germs not opportunity. They prevented a virus, not a sense of unity! Our combined strength gave us a kind of immunity.

Immunity to trials hitherto unforeseen. Who could have predicted a quarantine? Because of COVID-19 we spent weeks staring at a screen, trying to glean: What does my teacher mean? We drowned in hand sanitizer, trying to stay clean, praying to God for a safe vaccine. No birthday bash when we turned 18. Forget a “new normal”! Normal felt like a distant dream. Yet here we are ready to proceed to the new lives we will lead. Despite this year, we will succeed!

We started the year in our beds, then turned a bad situation upon its head. We found a way to have homecoming royalty. We attended sports games and events to prove our school loyalty. Our teams battled their hardest, with great reward (even field hockey, though I’m not sure we ever scored). Senior assassin was lord of fun, although I think Father Ramos is the best with a water gun. We ended the year with a prom and a picnic and water slide, each event highlighting our school pride.

Alone we could not have pulled through. We needed each other to lean on to. At school we had teachers and friends, old and new, there to help with a kind word or two. Mr. Flynn giving out pats on the back and free food. At home, our families, mine a 10-man crew, gave support with a hug, kiss or tissue. And always, always, we could turn to God, a method tried and true. Those around us imbued us with a positive point of view, ready to improve our mood.

So, while alone we will receive our diplomas in turn, know that alone is not how they were earned. Look around. Look at your teachers and friends. Look at your family. Where would we be without their love and concern?