The Oaks: Anna Omilian

Dear OHS Class of 2021,

On behalf of the Opelika High School faculty and staff, I want to congratulate you on reaching this highlight of high school graduation. This year has been a journey, and I am proud to have walked alongside you as we have navigated this experience together.

You have done something no other class before you has accomplished – navigate a full year of school in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. You have taken every precaution necessary to maintain a regular school year through excellent behavior, cooperation with staff and adherence to safety measures.

As historians will look back on this time and analyze the different medical and social aspects of COVID-19, my reflections will likely be different because of you. You have embraced this time and found ways to make this a positive experience – focusing on the betterment of others, continuing to work hard in your coursework and sharpening leadership skills that will undoubtedly contribute to our community, state and world in a positive way.

It would be easy to let COVID-19 define this year. I ask, however, that you not allow it to define this year, but rather refine you into successful adults leaving OHS. Take the lessons learned, the content gained, and most importantly, the relationships fostered, to shape the future in a way that represents you, your family and Opelika, in a powerful way.

Please know that the Opelika High School family will always be here to help and will encourage you along the way.

Go Dawgs! Farrell Seymore