HAMBURG, N.Y. (WKBW) — The second half of the school year was difficult, to say the least, for so many students and teachers. But against all odds, they made it.
The Frontier High School senior class celebrated the end of the year Friday with a parade of graduates.
"They're finally getting a little bit of what they really truly have deserved for the spring since we were shut down. They lost so many opportunities to be recognized and this is just a small way to say how much we miss them," said Daniel Charland, Frontier High School Principal.
The parade included 330 students who haven't seen their teachers face-to-face since March.
Teachers had a chance to say one last hello and one last good bye to the class of 2020, on the last day of learning at Frontier High School.
As teachers look back on the school year, they can agree on one thing.
"The hardest part for us was not being connected with our kids," said Amy Brodfuehrer.
"The most difficult part is not being with your kids. I mean, you want that experience there's nothing like having a conversation. You create such a relationship, it's hard that you don't have that," said Chris Falgiano.
At Maplemere Elementary in Amherst, a similar parade to celebrate students and their accomplishments.
"[It's] an opportunity for our staff and our families to kind of connect one final time," said James Ryan, Maplemere Principal. "Because it's been really tough the last couple of weeks and months for our kids, and families and our staff. Relationships with kids is the most critical part of our work,"
But resilience and believing in yourself are what got them all through the last few months.
"I learned that people are stronger, they are tougher than they every think they are. That they can overcome a whole lot of things if they work together," said Falgiano.
Congratulations to all the graduates of 2020!
