Keystone class of 2021 thanks COVID-19 for lessons in adaptability, stories

CARLISLE TWP. — The Keystone class of 2021 will have stories like no other to share at its reunions. Keystone High School held its 140th commencement ceremony at First Baptist Christian Church on Friday evening. While this year saw time set aside for cleaning desks, walking one way down hallways, tugging masks up over noses and using Google Meet for class, 151 students walked across the stage with life lessons learned. "The only thing we can thank COVID for is we have now learned something at such a young age that most people don't learn in their lifetimes: No matter how much we plan ahead to try to make things as perfect and as on track as possible, anything could happen that completely trashes all those well-laid plans," class President Jacquelyn Ralph said. While generations before may have had trouble adapting, the class of 2021 has had to change its plans on the fly — after its high school career was upended in March 2020. That adaptation may not have been so smooth without the community's support. Valedictorian Seth Cogar noted there is no place like LaGrange and the love his classmates have for one another. "The hardships we face today will make us better leaders tomorrow, equipped with the tools to have love and empathy for everyone," he said. Salutatorian Jadon Kerr hoped to add to the conversation once they reunite, be it in the next year, or decade. Kerr joked he could spend an entire school day without talking to another student and he had contemplated letting his grades slip to avoid speaking to his fellow wildcats Friday evening. But even with the apprehension being an introvert caused him, he hoped to leave his fellow students with one last piece of advice: Be bold enough to better oneself. "Whatever it is that you can do to improve your character, just do it," he said. "Take the risk. So be bold and follow your dreams, because that is how we can change the world." Principal James Kohler agreed. He noted students overcame the challenges of a global pandemic and he hopes to see them build on the foundation they've laid while walking the halls — one way or not. "Take the lessons you've learned, the character you've developed, the love and devotion you've given to each other and your community and go create even more stories of success and accomplishment that you can add to the stories of your high school memories that you're leaving us," he said. Half of Keystone's graduates will be the first in their family to attend college. Others are pursuing careers in the trades, or joining the military. Two students, Alexander Ables and Shannon Yoder, were recognized as outstanding seniors at the Lorain County Joint Vocational School. Of the more than 150 students graduating Friday, 109 have earned a combined 1,820 college credits through Lorain County Community College. Three students — Mason Norris, Jack Sherlock and Dalton Conn — each earned two associate degrees while still in high school. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.