‘We are stronger than ever.’ Braden River High launches into graduation at LECOM Park

During her graduation speech on Tuesday morning, Isabella Macias began with a quote from astronaut Neil Armstrong: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Like an astronaut taking the first voyage to space, the seniors at Braden River High School launched bravely into the unknown, facing the COVID-19 pandemic and the final hurdles before graduation.

The pandemic forced a statewide closure of schools and the swift transition to online classes in March. Through perseverance and a giant leap, the Class of 2020 landed at LECOM Park for a graduation ceremony on Tuesday.

“We have struggled to navigate online classes, stay-at-home orders and the general stress of having our lives upended at such a critical point in our high school careers,” Macias said.

“We adapted,” she continued. “We adapted to Zoom calls and FaceTime chats, remaining connected despite our physical separation. We are still here. I am proud of each and every one of us. We are stronger than ever.”

Christian Solorzano, the class president, said he was grateful for the Braden River community. He praised teachers and other school employees for helping the students weather a pandemic and months of uncertainty.

“As well as the parents and families for their guidance and support during some of the best and worst moments of our lives,” he said.

As a precaution against COVID-19, Solorzano cleaned the podium for each of Tuesday’s commencement speakers.

Each graduate wore a mask with their cap and gown, removing the face coverings only to make speeches or pose for photographs, and their families were distanced between the assigned seats at LECOM Park.

High school graduations, originally scheduled for mid-May at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, were moved to the baseball field as a safety measure. The summer heat overwhelmed Southeast High graduates and guests the day prior, but an overcast sky provided relief from the sun on Tuesday morning.

In her closing speech, Jordyn Collis looked to the future. She said that Braden River High School — home to the Pirate Nation — was full of talented students.

They were athletes, musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, techies and experts in agriculture. Despite recent challenges, Collis said, they would become health professionals, service members and community leaders.

“I know we have left a mark on this school,” she said. “And even after we go our separate ways, we will continue to make a difference.”

This story was originally published July 28, 2020 at 12:24 PM.