I hope you have been able to benefit from our two Coping with COVID-19 series the past few weeks. Diane Wagenhals and I were grateful to be able to share what we hope has been beneficial information to help us cope during this difficult time. It was our intent to provide perspective and support for those who are struggling as a result of being confined by the isolation and related issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you still have struggles with all that has happened, please feel free to review our YouTube channel or refer back to any of the sessions through our Lakeside Connect blog.
Regarding our regional COVID-19 status, we are so pleased that it has been announced that our region is finally going to yellow status which relinquishes the stay-at-home status, bringing a sense of normalcy back. We also have just gotten word that schools will be permitted to reopen as of July 1st. As a country we are gradually beginning to open back up. This is great news and yet we still need to be very careful to protect each other from this pandemic.
In the midst of all of this there has been the tragic death of George Floyd. Our hearts are grieved by this significant injustice as witnessed on video. Our country is in upheaval in so many ways. The protests have been significant and full of messaging that is so important for the future of our country. It is my hope that this response will lead to some significant changes in our societal inequities. At the same time we have seen those who believe they should have the right to loot and destroy property where many businesses that were already struggling due to COVID-19 closures have been badly damaged. It has been tragic to see such destruction but encouraging to see a huge outpour of compassion and demands for justice.
In the midst of that we have need for celebration and pride at Lakeside for our recent graduates. This week and next, we are going to stream virtual graduations. The experiences of our students and staff have been extraordinary. They have had to change their routines, go completely on-line, isolate from valuable relationships and complete their academic assignments in order to finish their year successfully. Our staff has worked long and hard hours teaching, motivating, exhorting and supporting our students in creative and inspiring ways. We are truly celebrating the outcomes of an exceptional year of significant effort by both our students and staff.
If you wish to be inspired you too can enjoy our graduations and celebrations. You can go to our website at www.lakesidelink.com where you will see a list of our graduation schedules and recordings of those that we have already broadcasted. Lakeside’s students have overcome so many obstacles to get to this point in their lives. It is their time for recognition and our opportunity to celebrate them. It is my hope that all our societal issues won’t diminish the importance of their accomplishments. I am so very proud of them and our staff for the amazing job they have done to conclude a very difficult year.
There is so much to reflect on that I will continue to post about in the future. Thank you so much for your support and comments regarding our blog. I appreciate the opportunity to spend this time with you. I hope you will continue to find help and inspiration in reading Lakeside Connect.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
