Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Lincoln celebrates 2020 graduates
Former high school principal turns covid-19 into positive message
LINCOLN — Former Lincoln High Principal Courtney Jones only had to look at the circumstances in the world today to find ways to describe the Lincoln High Class of 2020.
Jones, who resigned June 30 because she was moving to Missouri with her husband, has left each class with a word at graduation that says something about the group as a whole.
For 2019, her message to the graduating class was about heart. They accomplished great things, persevered, showed empathy and understanding for others — all characteristics of the heart.
Two years ago in 2018, Jones chose the word “passion.” She encouraged the 2018 graduates to play hard and give their best, to do something and be passionate about it.
The school’s 2020 graduating seniors encountered many challenges. Even though the representation of the class was not as clear because of a shortened school year, Jones said it became apparent what the word would be for the Class of 2020.
“A quote from Christian D. Larson stood out to me that says, ‘Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.’ You have been through unimaginable circumstances, yet look at you today standing together one last time as the class of 2020,” Jones told about 70 graduates sitting before her, in chairs set six feet apart in the Lincoln High basketball arena because of coronavirus concerns.
Fittingly, Jones used the acronym COVID to describe Lincoln’s graduating class:
• C: “You are a Charismatic group, always full of personality and strong force.”
• O: “You have Overcome many obstacles in your life, but remember obstacles provide growth opportunities.”
• V: “You are Vivacious, so full of life and high spirited.”
• I: “You are Independent with strong characteristics, individuality and unconventional thinking to solve problems.”
• D: “Lastly, Determined, you have always been insistent on your voice being heard.”
Jones told the graduates, “So all of those words together spell covid, not because it is a virus but because it is made up of words that represent your class wholly.”
Jones said she wanted to give covid a new meaning and turn it into positive memories for the students.
Lincoln’s graduation was moved from the stadium to the basketball arena about a week before the graduation ceremony for safety and health reasons. Each graduate was allowed to invite two guests into the facility.
The program also was live streamed for other family members and friends.
Graduates filed onto the gym floor to “Pomp & Circumstance,” each wearing a mask. Bleacher seats were pushed back to provide more space on the gym floor.
Guests, who also were required to wear face coverings, sat in the bleachers behind the graduating seniors.
Mary Ann Spears, superintendent of Lincoln Consolidated School District, welcomed parents and graduates.
“We wish this class the very, very best in their path in the future,” Spears told the graduates, adding, “Anything we can do for you, please let us know.”
Salutatorian Ian Jackson, addressing his fellow classmates, said he had thought about his speech over the past several months and could not find an appropriate way to address them in the middle of a pandemic.
Unfortunately, he noted, the class has missed many events and activities its senior year but he encouraged graduates to use those challenges to come out on top.
“I have learned in 18 years that life brings us challenges and those challenges are what make us stronger,” Jackson said. “This past school year did absolutely that and we have to use that to give us more grit and drive as we go out into the world.”
When the seniors left school in March, they fully expected to return for the rest of their year.
“That didn’t happen, we didn’t get what we waited for, so now go write your own ending. Go out in the world and get what you deserve.”
Jackson said he wanted to leave them with this piece of advice: “Perseverance conquers all, God willing.”
Speakers also included class co-presidents Shea Woolsey and Leah Green.
The graduation ceremony included the traditional slide show with photos of all the graduates, alongside photos of them as children.
Before presenting diplomas to each graduate, Jones asked all to stand up who earned more than 15 hours of college credit, who earned college credit through Advanced Placement courses, who earned certifications, served as interns and who received college scholarships.
She finished by asking all graduates to stand so they could be honored for their accomplishments.
Graduates came up one by one to receive their diplomas from board President Tera Thompson. Following the presentation of diplomas, they moved their tassels to the other side and then tossed their caps in the air to celebrate 12 years of public education.