Commencement

After several months of speculation and planning, and dependence on government mandates, Pingry’s 159th Commencement Exercises were held outdoors on Parsons Field the evening of August 2—the first outdoor Commencement in 20 years—with proud graduates from the Class of 2020 and their families wearing masks and seated at chairs, six feet apart. It was an eagerly awaited, in-person event, following the virtual celebration that took place on June 7.

Part of every citizen’s mission is to help this country take the next step forward in its drive to form a more perfect union. This will not be easy; if it was easy, it would have already been accomplished. So, what will your contribution be? The current national debate is highly polarized and divisive. . . It is my hope that you can also be a voice for unification.”—JEFFREY

EDWARDS ’78, P ’12, ’14, ’18, CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Be appreciative for the life you have, and give thanks to important people in your life. I learned this as I sat in my room during April. I paused and reflected on the good health of my family and friends and not about the cancellation of Prom. If you focus on the good in your life, it will make you so much happier. Joy is everywhere—sometimes, you just have to look for it.” The last few months of our senior year have been nothing short of imperfect. But how will we define it? Will this be a lost year or a spark for hope? So much has been taken away, but so much more comes from the energy that has built up over these months. . . Twenty years from now, I am confident that the Class of 2020 will be better remembered for what we created

BRIAN LI ’20, STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT AND VALEDICTORIAN

and built rather than what we lost.”—

—BURKE PAGANO ’20, CLASS PRESIDENT

I am confident that you all will be agents of change in your communities, and don’t wait. . . you may see something that is an inequity. . . and I would encourage you to use your voice— it is powerful—and you can have an impact right away.”—MATT LEVINSON, HEAD OF SCHOOL