A Message of Joy & Gratitude for the Class of 2020

When I think back to my high school graduation I can't help but get flashbacks to the Vitamin C song “Graduation” (Friends Forever.) I know, I’m dating myself. If you don’t know the song you have to check it out on Youtube. I’m sorry in advance if it gets stuck in your head.

Back in March when we all had to be quarantined, schooling was being held on line and there was a ton of unrest and uncertainty as to whether the class of 2020 would have a graduation.

During Quarantine, I had the chance to revisit old photos and feel all sorts of emotions for my 2020 Seniors. I remember watching an online concert that Bella Phinney was performing with other talented local musicians.

Bella was one of my class of 2020 Seniors.

I met Bella at Tunes 92.5 radio station when I scheduled her for an on-air performance. Bella came to the station with her parents and I quickly remembered her mom Sheree. When I first moved to the North Country and started working at the radio station, I had a ton of appointments to meet local business owners. Some were great, some looked at me like "get out now, you crazy person" but not Sheree. Sheree owns Ink Craft Tattoo Studio in Watertown and she was very kind to me on the phone. I stopped into her studio to introduce myself and to give her information about the station and she shared her awesome talent and creativity. Her kindness left an impression and here we were, meeting years later.

I can tell Bella gets her creativity and kindness from her parents! After Bella's first Tunes performance she went off to do a ton of local shows in the area. Early 2019, Bella asked me to take her senior photos and I was so stinkin excited! We split her session in two, with the first half of her rocking the stage in the Masonic Temple theater and then the stage at the Watertown block party. The second half of Bella's session I did at her family's home which had the most majestic fall landscape I have ever seen. It was like a fairytale. I could have stayed there all day taking photos but my family would send a search party if I didn't make it back home.

A few weeks ago, I saw on facebook that Bella was accepted into SUNY Oneonta, class of ‘24 Yaya! A win to celebrate during this uncertain time!

This week, I got to return to session after months of quarantine. It was a joy to photograph Bella in her Cap & Gown with her family as my first session back in business. If you ask them they can tell you, I was geeking out with excitement! I'm very appreciative of Bella & her family. Bella's session reminded me why I do what I do with so much love and passion. It's the people. I love capturing joyful moments, life milestones with my own special creative twist. It feels great being back in action!

To the Class of 2020, I wrote a little something for you. I was thinking of a commencement speech at first but that sounded too long and this is just the cliff notes into what I'm feeling for you. Do you guys still use cliff notes?

Here goes my kind-of sort-of commencement speech to Class of 2020

It wasn't supposed to be like this. You were supposed to have a few months of finals, picking out prom dresses, rocking out to your favorite songs with friends, and being teenagers. You were supposed to have your dream graduation ceremony with all your friends, family, and teachers.

When I think 2020 I think of a few words.

Pivot, Planned, & Prepped.
Although this sucks big time, schools, teachers, and families have come together to do their best to make you feel the love. From yard signs, to online graduations, cap & gown pick ups for photos.
Though this was not what you had planned, you did it! You graduated! You're ready for your next chapter in life. One that is full of hope and brand new adventures.
2. Endurance.
After going through the last few months of uncertainty you have endured a boat load.You know what happens when you hold a boat load? You gain muscles, you become stronger, you endure and you persevere. YOU got this!
3. Kindness & Hope.
The pandemic has taught a lot of people that they need more time to reflect, to help fill your personal tank, to love those close to you, and to keep connected in any way possible. From seeing family through a window to Face Time with friends, we can be connected to friends and family all over the world! Taking time to talk with your friends and loved ones shows you kindness and hope to know you are not going through this alone.
There is my commencement speech, straight from my heart. Yeah yea.. I know, I’m sappy!