AllSportsTucson.com has reached out for high school seniors to write the class of 2020 a letter during this unique time of their schools closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s letter was written by Catalina Foothills High School standout golfer Maya Benita, who will next attend Arizona and play for the Wildcats’ championship-caliber golf program under Laura Ianello.
Dear Class of 2020,
Just a few short months ago, I would have laughed if someone had told me that I would be graduating virtually at the end of May. Yet here we are, unable to experience that “perfect” moment we have dreamed about since the start of our high school careers. To put it lightly, this is not what we ever expected. However, in a world filled with countless question marks, there is only one thing that I am completely certain about; this is not the end for any of us.
We are the class of 2020. Like any class, we have our geniuses, our incredible athletes, our talented artists, and our future world leaders and change-makers. However, the classes that came before us did not experience the magnitude of loss that we have felt in the last few months alone. As a competitive athlete, I don’t like to lose (just ask my teammates). This virus has taken so much from us and from this global community. I am heartbroken that we do not get the big finale, the proms, last games, final goodbyes, or the graduation we have all worked towards. However, through all this loss we have been given a powerful edge over our peers. We are the class of 2020, and we will be stronger, smarter, and more resilient than any group that came before us.
Although this virus has separated us into our homes, it has united us in other ways. I have never felt more connected to this senior class. I am so proud of the love, support, and joining together that has come out of such a dark time. I am so grateful for all of the people who are trying to make the end of our senior years as memorable as possible. The staff and parents at Catalina Foothills High School have worked tirelessly to create the most real graduation experience for us, from placing signs in our yards to ensuring that we could safely get our diplomas from 6 feet apart.
This might not be what we expected, but it will be special in its own unique ways. We unfortunately do not get that “perfect” moment of crossing the stage in front of our families, friends, and teachers. Instead, we have our whole lives to shine. We will have our big moments on the world’s stage. After all of this immense loss, I know I speak for the entire class of 2020 when I say that we are hungry for some wins. I just hope the world is prepared for the storm of ambitious teenagers that is to come, because we will take advantage of every opportunity and succeed in every sense of the word. Nothing, not even these killer germs, can hold us back.
Sincerely,
Maya Benita
Catalina Foothills High School. Class of 2020
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