Graduation season is usually full of tradition : caps and gowns, parties and celebrations, ceremonies and maybe even trips or vacations.

Then, 2020 happened. This graduation season was unlike any other as seniors celebrated their milestones amid the COVID-19 pandemic. I felt for these young men and women as they watched so many things they expected to happen simply get cancelled, one after another after another. So many questions they faced during what should be an exciting time, that truly has enough questions all on its own without the country or world, for that matter, being “shut down.”

But this class is strong. I photographed many high school seniors this year, and each of them had such strength and peace about the issue. Yes they were uncertain, yes they were disappointed in missing out on proms and countless other events and celebrations, like being able to walk across the stage for their commencement ceremony. But they all were going with the flow and didn’t seem to let it get to them. I have so much more respect for this class after talking with the seniors who have gone through this unprecedented experience.

Beautiful Caitlyn is just one of those amazing seniors who graduated in the midst of COVID-19. She graduated from Reagan High School and will attend UTSA and study Nursing.

Class of 2020. Keep your head up, this is a unique experience that only you will be able to tell. I know you will tell it well.