Dear Seniors, Congratulations!
You’ve made it to the final stretch, rounded the last corner, and you are about to become the Colonial School District’s graduating class of 2020. Despite the COVID-19 madness that swirls around us, I can promise that Colonial Nation will celebrate your achievements.
I know you and your families are disappointed—this is not how your senior year was supposed to go. Yes, you’ve missed out on being able to enjoy the final months of your senior year – hanging out with your friends, dreaming about one last summer before you all head in different directions. You lost experiences like competing with your classmates on spring sports teams, the chance to attend senior prom, and your traditional graduation ceremony at the Bob Carpenter Center.
Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” There is wisdom in her words. You see, life is not an endless series of pleasant experiences—we all learn from adversity and become stronger and wiser because of it. We learn about our character, our resolve, and we develop plans to move us forward.
With what you have experienced over the years, and especially now, you are not rookies in the game of life. You are veterans, with a lot of playing time left, and plenty more to learn and share with others. One of Colonial Nation’s promises is that our students will graduate from William Penn, ready for the next step of their lives, regardless of the direction. You are ready, and everyone in the Colonial School District is doing everything in our power to help you get to the finish line. The Power of WE is more than just a mantra, so together, district administrators, teachers, staff, our business partners and community will cheer for you.
I am proud of your dedication and resolve. I admire your ability to face adversity and keep moving forward. While your senior year may not have ended the way you envisioned, it will be your senior year, unique among your peers, and you will reap the rewards. Stay flexible, stay patient, and be ready for your next chapter in this game called life.
Remember, you won’t only become members of William Penn’s graduating Class of 2020, you also become members of our great community. This is your home, regardless of where you end up living, studying, working. We enjoyed watching you learn and grow, and look forward to seeing you succeed in all you choose to do.
Good luck, and remember, Once a Colonial, Always a Colonial!
Sincerely ,
Jeffrey Menzer, Ed.D.
Superintendent, Colonial School District