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Class of 2021: North High graduates 460

See photos of all West Zone graduations, including Oasis High School, on our Facebook page

By CHUCK BALLARO 5 min read

Not so long ago, North Fort Myers High School principal Debbie Diggs wasn't sure if her school would have a formal graduation.

However, unlike last year when seniors got their diplomas drive-by style, the Class of 2021 was able to hold an in-person graduation at Hertz Arena on Saturday, albeit with some pandemic protocols in place: Students didn't walk the aisle, but were seated in alphabetical order on the floor of the arena; they were physically distanced and they wore red masks with "Class of '21" emblazoned on them.

But even though there was no "Pomp and Circumstance" until the very end, it was a very festive Commencement Ceremony for the students and the four-guest allotment for each.

David Dawson, who is headed to the University of West Virginia, started by introducing Diggs, who has been at every big event the school has had since she arrived five years ago.

"She not only supported us in athletic events, but in academic events. The simple act of being there for the students is what make her an amazing principal," Diggs said. "She has helped students reach their highest potential."

Diggs spoke of the accomplishments of the students, which had a collective weighted grade-point average of 3.97, with 218 having GPAs of 4.0 or higher and 87 a 5.0 or better. So far, 95 have earned their Cambridge AICE diploma (ranking North among the most in the state) and, despite COVID and the inability for many to volunteer, the class still logged 11,000 hours of community service.

"It's hard to believe we're here. I'm looking around at everybody and just a few short months ago we didn't know if we would be able to have this," Diggs said, going off script. "I'm so thankful we are able to be here tonight to celebrate."

Diggs said in the time of COVID, which has brought unbelievable hardship, this graduating class showed the heart of a champion. They even told the school system what they liked and want to change about the school.

"They overwhelmingly said they liked the teachers and the staff. We have to build relationships first and the work and growth will come," Diggs said. "You recognize the adults care about you and the value it brings to supporting your endeavors."

What they said they wanted to change: One-directional hallways, which made Diggs laugh out loud because it was so unexpected and because Diggs had forgotten that this class also had to deal with Hurricane Irma which, weeks into their freshman year, closed schools for two weeks.

"You have shown time and time again that whatever comes your way, you are going to stay positive, access your resources, focus on the end game and flat out figure it out," Diggs said.

Class president Lorelei Bungard spoke of the bittersweet end to their high school lives and the exciting future in store for them, advising them to step out of their comfort zones as there is no limit to their success.

Class treasurer Mary Campbell introduced fellow student Jordan Lindsey, who said many of them were ready to close this chapter of their lives, having worked so hard under such adversity to get to this point.

Lindsey said he put up a poll, where many students were concerned about their future and what they would do or whether their plans would work out. He said that we need to look at success from a different view from what they've been told.

"The problem stems from what we define as success. We often define it by the university we attend, the esteem of a job title, money or the car we drive," Lindsey said. "The truth is the path in truth is different for everyone and entirely up to you. Success is measured by how happy you are. How you've improved the lives of others and your own."

Class Secretary Colton Howard introduced Devon Cranford, who said it was an honor "to turn their four rigorous years of hard work into three minutes of cliches and uninspired quotes."

"We've experienced small pieces of freedom by turning a trip to Chick-fil-A from a monthly treat to an afternoon tradition," Cranford said. "But the real stuff begins now, like building character, integrity, relationships and a future, not just for you, but your children."

Sierra Simon, class vice-president, thanked everyone from teachers, to administration to students and parents for not giving up on them and for persevering through one of the most uncertain times in history.

"Our next chapter will bring new challenges and experiences. Remember that weakness is not the presence of fear. We may fail time and time again, but we are not a weak class. We will face our problems head on," Simon said.

After the diplomas were distributed and the tassels turned, Diggs closed with words she has delivered to each of her graduating classes, that they can accomplish anything no matter how ambitious.

"Always remember, once a Red Knight, always a Red Knight. Seniors, your future awaits you and your time is now."

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