May 21, 2020

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    Dear Class of 2020 Lancer Families:

    When students were abruptly sent home on Friday, March 13 due to the governor’s executive order, no one fully anticipated the impact the global pandemic would have on this school year. Students collected their belongings with the expectation of returning after spring break, not having to accept this moment in time as their last goodbye to teachers and friends.

    Understandably, the emotional toll for our seniors and their families has been overwhelming these past couple months. Simply put, this year has been heartbreaking for you. And the difficult announcements to cancel prom and in-person ceremonies for safety reasons has exponentially magnified your loss. 

    Memorial Plaque
    To truly memorialize all that you have missed, and recognize the historic significance of these unprecedented times, Lake Park has commissioned a memorial plaque that will be proudly mounted at West Campus to honor the Class of 2020. This 40 x 44 plaque lists every senior by name and will forever mark your senior year. While it could never replace all that you have missed, this symbol demonstrates our immense Lancer Pride for the senior class. We look forward to dedicating this plaque when it is safe to assemble and hope that could occur as early as this fall during Homecoming Week.

    Community Support
    We wish to express our sincere thanks to the volunteer parents and our communities who have helped to “Turn The Town Blue” with ribbons around trees and banners and marquees throughout town. Please look around and notice all the yard signs and “I Support The Class of 2020 flyers to honor you. Special thanks to Roselle Mayor Andy Maglio who issued a proclamation declaring Monday, May 18 as “Graduate Recognition Day.” This visual display of unity captures what it means to be #InThisTogether.

    Senior Class Video - Premiering Wednesday, May 27, 7:00 p.m.
    Although the annual tradition of the senior class video must also be a virtual experience, Lake Park is excited to launch the premiere on Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m. Featuring photos, videos, and  messages from Lancer classmates and retiring teachers, this Class of 2020 video will visually celebrate the past four years. Visit the Class of 2020 webpage to watch this highlight reel!

    Class of 2020: “One Last Time” - Thursday, May 28
    With remote learning completed, and graduation only a week away, the moment has arrived to return to campus “One Last Time” as seniors. Please note that the distribution of diplomas, graduation programs, and a senior gift has been moved up to Thursday, May 28 (originally Friday, May 29). This timing will allow families to celebrate together and ‘present’ the diploma during the virtual graduation ceremony. Watch the premiere at 7:00 p.m. using the following link, which can be shared with family and friends: https://lakepark-hsd.stageclip.com/

    Driving on Lancer Lane will symbolize your last time as a student, before officially joining the alumni ranks as a Lancer for Life. We encourage families to decorate vehicles and students to even consider wearing their cap and gown as Principal Dr. Manola awards your Lake Park High School diploma. Look for banners, balloons and your name appearing on the marquee to highlight this achievement! Several stations will be set-up to return your school materials (including textbooks, calculators, digital media) and collect your locker items, but the real focus of this day is to acknowledge “One Last Time” together. 

    The alpha split schedule is designed to help with social distancing requirements. If your designated time is not convenient for you, please come during the last hour of the day. Note: staff and faculty volunteers will be required to wear masks and gloves for safety. We encourage families to consider doing the same.

    #LightsForTheFight
    In the spirit of “One Last Time” the West Campus stadium lights will be illuminated on Friday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. to honor the Class of 2020 and frontline and essential workers in the fight against COVID-19. The lights will go out at 8:20 p.m. (20:20 military time) like usual, but this moment will signal the start of a new chapter in which you shine your own bright light towards the future. 

    May this next week ahead, without remote learning or final exams, provide a personal sense of accomplishment and reflection about special memories with family and classmates. 

    The entire Lancer community is incredibly proud to celebrate the Class of 2020 and can’t wait to see what you achieve next! 

    With Lancer Pride,  

    Lynn Panega, Ed.D.
    Superintendent