Page 2 - 2020 LP Yearbook

Blast from the Past

1918. 1945. 1980. 2001. And now, 2020. And you were there.

Most people tend to recall their own participation in big historical moments. Often it
shapes their lives. The final moments of World War 1 and World War 2. The Miracle
on Ice. The tragedies of 9/11. Lake Placid High School students can now say the
same. In 2020 Lake Placid schools joined the worldwide effort to slow the spread of
the Novel Coronavirus We did this by closing our doors for many weeks and
continuing classes at-home and on-line throughout the spring -- even during spring
break! Well known for our unwillingness to take even one snow day, we endured an
extended closure that interrupted our spring musical, suspended the spring sports
season, and even cancelled the Regents Exams. Students became familiar with
online classes, school lunches being delivered to homes, and weekly announcements
sent via email or Facebook. It has been an historical year like no other. Like a lot of
historical moments we have experienced much pain but also discovered many silver
linings. Some have missed out on the chance to perform on stage, or compete in
athletics, or celebrate the end of their senior year. We have endured much sadness.
But we should also remember the brighter moments, the helpers, and the heroes.
Maybe you took advantage of the extra time and the quiet moments to reconnect
with family and friends. Hopefully you cheered the efforts of the nurses, doctors,
EMTs, grocery workers, police, fire, and other essential workers who risked their
own health for the good of others. Right here in your school we have so many to
thank – for cooking and delivering meals, cleaning and disinfecting the buildings,
and teaching classes via Google Hangouts and Zoom. I am proud that you and your
classmates have risen to the challenge as well.

We are living this historical moment together. We have all experienced some
hardships, but 2020 has also revealed our virtues. The year 2020 will forever be
your own Blast from the Past. I hope you will remember this moment and be proud
of being a part of history, right here at LPHS.

Sincerely,
Dr. Roger Catania
Superintendent

2