Bethlehem Catholic’s virtual graduation, posted on the school website days after the actual event July 22, which was condensed for health reasons and rushed by heavy rains, is the opportunity for class speakers to be heard.

After an opening prayer by Father Kevin Bobbin, speakers’ remarks are separated by slides of graduates listing their future plans.

Speaker Chyna Moore spoke of new beginnings; namely of the fresh start she got when arriving at Becahi following an unpleasant sophomore year in New Jersey. She said the students and faculty instantly made her feel like part of their school family. “Before I attended Becahi, I attended a school in New Jersey that ostracized me for the color of my skin. I absolutely didn’t see myself fitting in, and definitely could not see myself throwing their graduation cap in the air.” Her mom was engaged to a man from Pennsylvania, and they agreed to make the move, heeding advice from others to investigate the small Catholic high school in Bethlehem. Seeing students of similar ethnicity and their overall welcoming engagement ameliorated her initial misgivings. “During the tour, every student I had come in contact with treated me as if I’d gone with them since freshman year.”

On her very first day she met some of her favorite teachers and some lab partners who would become best friends. “I was ready for a new beginning.

“There comes a point in everyone’s life where God throws us curveballs to test our ability to adapt to changes and accept His path for us. But these curveballs can take a toll on our emotional stability. We have to understand that every hardship, heartbreak and lost friendship is a life lesson that teaches us that we don’t always get what we want when we want it. We have to make the best of every situation, but there is a blessing that follows.

“Keep striving for excellence, which is and always will be Bethlehem Catholic’s motto.”

Aidan Gutherman wished his fellow graduates a proper farewell while recalling the high and low points for himself and his classmates. “High school is not easy,” he said, “but through the help of God, and through the help of teachers and students, has made the difference.”

After listing some of his favorite teachers from each grade, he said, “And then came senior year. Each day was one day close to graduation. Senior year was supposed to be the most memorable year. However, there are so many things we did not yet get to endure; senior nights, spring sports, prom, graduation. We may be the class of 2020, but I do not think anybody saw this coming.

“The coronavirus outbreak jeopardized one of the most important years of our lives. Many people think we are overreacting, but every little thing counts.

“I will always cherish my memories from Bethlehem Catholic and carry them into my future endeavors.”

Principal Holly Denofa debunked the clichéd phrase, “kids these days” by lauding the seniors’ perseverance during an era of tremendous adversity and rising to the challenge.

“For the class of 2020, timing was everything. March 12 was the last time I stood before you as a class. Everybody seemed really happy at the time. How could we ever have known what would happen next?”

Denofa said expectations for a great senior year were swallowed by circumstances, and all the normal events vanished. “We often dwell on the would-haves, could-haves and shouldhaves. The what-ifs. It would have been so easy, perhaps even understandable, under these circumstances to lament what opportunities we do not have. I ask you to look beyond that; not at what was lost, but by the grace of God, at what was gained.

“Memories become more vivid. Moments become more significant: A quick check-in with a teacher. A funny text to a friend during a Zoom class. Noticing the lawn signs. Meeting a few friends – six feet apart. Spending more time with your family. Slowing down, reflecting, praying.”

She recalled a morning she had only just arrived at an empty school to find a group of students standing out front holding a sign reading, “Thank you, Mrs. Denofa.”

“I got to see how this class, despite all the disappointments, was still willing to brighten someone’s day and be the silver lining. You are an amazing group of graduates, and I pray for you and your families on graduation.

“Thank God for kids today.”