For BCMS 8th Graders...

Don't know if this was truly written by the brother of an Xavier University senior, but I love the sentiment. Something for all who were looking forward to their "last" year to think about.

​I was a bit upset, initially, with J.K. Rowling because of the way that the Harry Potter book series robbed Harry, Hermione and Ron of their final terms as Hogwarts students. I felt like we had traveled this far together with them through the wizarding school, and it only seemed fair that we get to watch them work through their last level. Life had different plans for them though, and Rowling wrote the path that was true for her characters as much as it is now for students everywhere — especially seniors. What you are doing right now is helping the world stand up against a deadly enemy in order to protect countless lives. You are Harry Potter. You are Hermione Granger. You are Ron Weasley. You miss Hogwarts, and Hogwarts misses you. But your role here is crucial, and it will bless the paths of many lifetimes to come. Though many will still fall in this battle, you are doing your part to stave off an even greater global disaster. You are being true to your school in the most unexpected of ways, and you will graduate with the honor of having played a key part in this fight. Your work so far and chance for further accomplishments haven’t been dashed. A world of opportunity will await you when we get past this. Take heart and have hope. And remember the words of Albus Dumbledore: ​

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Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.

​#FlattenTheCurve

P.S. Even if we have to do it next fall, we're still going to have the BC Applause End-of-Year-Celebration-8th-Grader-Send-Off-Junior-Thespian-Induction-Ceremony-All-Casts-and-Crews Party. With cake and punch.