After three months apart, the Marian Catholic High School Class of 2020’s graduation was also a reunion.

The COVID-19 global pandemic caused the seniors, and students across the country, to miss their last three months of in-person classes. But on Friday, the school made it possible for them to gather one more time to celebrate the last four years, and receive their diplomas.

“I thought we were going to be in our cars. Not like this,” said 2020 graduate Patrick Cervasio. “I’m happy we all get to get back together.”

Friday’s ceremony was a combination baccalaureate mass and graduation ceremony, which allowed families to gather at a social distance to see their graduates.

For students who up until a few weeks ago thought they would miss graduation, it was an unforgettable experience.

“I was like ‘there’s no way we’re going to be able, under these circumstances, to have it. We’re just all so grateful that we’re together one last time to celebrate the year,” said 2020 graduate Abbey Digris.

When the pandemic began, the students thought they would spend two weeks out of school, then return to finish their senior year. But as time went on, it became less likely that they would be able to receive their diplomas together.

While they were at home they kept in touch using social media and video conferencing. They studied at home, forcing them to be self-motivated and preparing themselves for the college experience.

Valedictorian Sarah Halupa, in her speech to the class, called the graduation the most memorable in Marian’s history.

She spoke about the role that technology played during the quarantine, and pointed out the fact that a class that has grown up communicating online with acronyms like ‘lol’ and ‘omg’ had their senior year defined by one: COVID-19.

In her speech, she encouraged her classmates to define their senior year by another acronym: STRONG.

“Be not afraid to show your ‘S’ spirit, leverage ‘T’ teamwork and ‘R’ respect to seize ‘O’ opportunity, and remember we survived ‘N’ Novel COVID-19 because ‘G’ God is always with us,” she said.

They showed spirit in striving for excellence and cheering on their classmates in sports. They showed teamwork getting through the tragic loss of a classmate. They learned respect from Marian teachers and their parents.

She said using those qualities will lead to opportunities, especially after those opportunities were limited this year due to Novel COVID-19. And God will be there throughout the journey.

Salutatorian Samantha Eroh reflected on the parents, friends and teachers who have helped her along the way.

Echoing a coach’s advice, she told her classmates they can write their life story in pencil, pen, or Sharpie. Pencils can be erased, and pen marks can be scratched out, but leave a blemish.

She said by living life with a Sharpie, and guided by God, they will seize opportunities and create good moments in their lives.

“Be bold, be confident in who you are, what you’re doing and how you treat others. This way, no one will ever doubt who you are,” she said.

As they continue on to life after high school, Members of the Marian Class of 2020 have accepted more than $2 million worth of scholarships and grants to continue their education.

Ninety-five percent of the class plans to continue on to higher education or the military, with 47 students will enroll in a four-year college, 17 will enroll in a two-year college, and four will join the military.

No matter where they will go, it’s unlikely they’ll forget a senior year which is unlike any other in recent memory.

“March 13 is the last day we had - that’s always going to be in my mind. People remember certain dates. That’s always going to be in my head,” Digris said.