Deep Run HS graduation: 'We turned stumbling blocks into stepping stones'

The Deep Run High School seniors missed out on sports games, arts performances and competitions. But many students used that time to perform acts of generosity, like making face masks for front line workers.

“We turned stumbling blocks into stepping stones and transcended limitations,” said Valedictorian Ritika Allada. “We attended online clubs and honor society meetings to brainstorm different ways of making the greatest impact possible.”

The Deep Run High School graduating class celebrated their resilience at their graduation ceremony on Wednesday afternoon.

“Our response to this pandemic was a testament to humanity's resilience,” Allada said. “Everyone here today grasps the value inherent in placing these qualities — patience and fortitude — at the forefront of our efforts to reach our loftiest goals.”

(View photos from the Deep Run High School graduation here.)

Deep Run High School Principal Brian Fellows commended the senior class on their hard work and commitment to excellence.

“You are a special group of young adults and you have made Deep Run a better place over the last four years,” Fellows said. “We realize this graduation ceremony is not traditional and your senior year played out in a strange way. But you, your teachers, your families and your friends made the best of it and proved once again why the Wildcat community is amazing.”

Salutatorian Brett McGee congratulated his classmates on their perseverance in adapting to their senior year that was uprooted by the pandemic.

“I'm proud that we supported each other through these times and made the most of the opportunities we were given,” McGee said. “We could have given up when faced with all the restrictions. But our Wildcat teachers, students and parents all persisted to ensure we made meaningful memories.”

McGee also honored classmate Gabe Henderson, who died in a boating accident last year.

“Gabe was the physical embodiment of persistence and joy. He never stopped chasing his goal of playing football in college and beyond,” McGee said. “We all wish he was here with us to celebrate this important milestone, and we hope we have made him proud.”

* * *

Anna Bryson is the Henrico Citizen's education reporter and a Report for America corps member. Make a tax-deductible donation to support her work, and RFA will match it dollar for dollar.