The Anderson High School community, staff, families and friends joined together June 15 to celebrate the 2020 graduating class through a virtual ceremony.

Superintendent Paul Cruz congratulated the graduates of this year's class via a video statement. His remarks were followed by a speech from Principal Sammi Harrison. 

"You are a distinguished senior class filled with incredibly talented, driven and successful leaders," Harrison said. "Today's graduation is a pivotal point for each of you marking the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Regardless of your plans, I'm confident that each of you is prepared academically to think critically, and to become productive and caring citizens at our ever-changing and challenging world."

Next, Salutatorian Cara Fonken spoke about graduating after a their senior year was cut short by COVID-19 precautions, which unexpectedly brought a silver lining. 

"We're discovering new ways of living more in the present and of approaching our daily lives," Fonken said. "The ability to cope with unexpected obstacles that might change our plans or take our lives in new directions is super important. And I think by now we've all gotten good practice with being disappointed, but ultimately being able to better appreciate the things that we're lucky to have, like our health, our family, and our homes."

Before the reading of the names of each graduating senior, Valedictorian Aiyana Mate highlighted her journey of moving to Austin four years ago from Canada and finding her place at Anderson.

"As we receive our diplomas today, we celebrate not only our success and achievement but the unforgettable memories we've made over the past four years," Mate said. "Looking forward, uncertainty seems more inevitable than ever. But I know that despite whatever may surprise us next, that we will continue to persist and to find joy in even the most difficult situations."

The ceremony concluded with a reading of the names of each graduating senior. 

The AISD community is proud of our students and eager to see their future accomplishments. Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We are #AISDProud of our #AISDGrads!