Mitty Will Always be your Home

By Greg Walker - Director of Student Activities

For the Class of 2021, there really are no words to describe the experience of this past year. Back in March of 2020, we had no idea what distance learning would look like. At its outset, we knew that it would have an effect on the graduating Class of 2020. We worked feverishly to figure out ways to cherish their senior year activities, not realizing that the task ahead would be how to handle the bulk of the school year for the Class of 2021. Distance learning and the transition to hybrid learning has brought many challenges and emotions for both parents and students, along with our own faculty and staff. But as an educational institution, there has to be something that we learned, right? Within Student Activities, there have been many instances where we’ve had to take expectations and transform them into new ways of thinking. We’ve had to look at the challenges head-on and embrace opportunities to grow.

While we didn’t have some traditional events, like in-person sporting events or rallies to generate spirit, skipping Monarch Madness was not an option. Students revamped the event, capturing outdoor, socially-distanced games with

video and creating a movie that debuted at the West Wind Drive-In. The night was a way to celebrate the very memorable 30th year of “The Greatest Night to be a Monarch.” We have never done a Monarch Madness movie before. And while we hope to never have to do it again, the success of this night will always be linked to the Class of 2021.

As with so many things this year, we pivoted and listened to class leadership for new ways to celebrate our seniors. We were ecstatic to decorate the interior of campus with hanging lights as seniors dressed up for the “Night Under the Stars.” Food trucks, games, music, and the senior slideshow in the Kinkade Theater created a fun “Lunch on the Lawn” in place of the senior dinner. And the week before graduation, faculty and staff lined Mitty Avenue underneath a balloon arch for a car parade to celebrate the Class of 2021. Throughout the year, we’ve urged students to appreciate a few more of the everyday things that we perhaps fail to see at our normal fast-moving pace. That could mean finding a new passion, doing that “thing” you never had time to do, or simply enjoying time at home with family. Blessings are not always in

plain sight or easy to find, but when they were presented, we asked students to stop and cherish them.

For the graduating Class of 2021, our wish is for you is that you use your God-given gifts, intelligence, passion, creativity, and dreams to make the world a better place. Use the time you have to make the most of every day. As your lives change and you go your separate ways, know that one thing will remain constant… you will always be linked together as Monarchs. You’ve endured the unthinkable and survived. Archbishop Mitty will always be your home!