June 21, 2021

Dear Students in the Class of 2021,

What a year! We must take a moment to recognize all you have accomplished amidst the most unique and challenging 15-month period. When you entered Nutley High School, four years ago, no one would have imagined what your  junior and senior years would have been like. 

Please know that you have impressed not only your principals, parents, teachers and peers with your perseverance and the way you carried yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the Nutley community and the Board of Education.

We know there have been challenges and we recognize that you may feel like you got cheated out of a “normal” senior year, but what you have gained may be more valuable than what you missed out on. You have been afforded the opportunity to take stock in what is important and what kind of adult you want to be. Often, in times of struggle, kindness, community and resilience overshadow fear, and conflict and despair.

You attended school virtually, but continued to stay engaged. Clubs, plays, and events took place virtually. You got involved. You tutored younger siblings or students. You helped out at home when a parent was sick. You collected gift cards for low income families at the holidays. You advocated for your class and when you finally returned to school in person, you were able to shine. 

Last week, we celebrated with the senior class at Scholarship Night and National Honor Society and we cannot wait to see you, in-person, at the Oval for Graduation on Thursday.

You have made us proud. Please know that wherever you may travel after graduation, you can always come home to Nutley.

All the best,

The Nutley Board of Education