To the class of 2021, we have by no means had an easy junior or senior year. We have had many things change or be canceled due to COVID-19 and have had less time together as a senior class compared to any other year. However, this adversity we have faced has taught us many lessons and has created new opportunities for us. 

It has showed us that we need to leave everything we have out on the field, court or stage because we never know when a game or performance could be our last. We learned to not take for granted the ability to attend school fully in person and see our friends everyday. 

Although I was heartbroken that my junior soccer season was taken away from me, I used this opportunity to rekindle my passion for softball which I had not played in five years because softball was one of the first sports that was able to begin after COVID-19 hit the US. When one door closes, we need to look for the next one to open and take advantage of the opportunity that life presents to us. 

During our senior year, instead of focusing on all of the negatives, we were able to focus on the positives and show our resilience. Everything we have done this year has been done with passion because this year means more to us than any other year in high school. I have seen this passion in our class competing in athletics, performing on the stage, cheering on our classmates with social distanced student sections, representing our school and growing in our faith even though the majority of events and activities were altered due to COVID-19. We were trying to make up for lost time.

We will have a fresh start this fall and can become whoever we want to be, but we must remember all of the lessons we have learned during our time at Xavier. This past year has taught us to value our time with family and friends, to not take the little things for granted and how to not let difficult circumstances knock us down. These lessons will help us succeed in the future and this year we have proven that we have a bright future ahead.