AMIA GRAHAM, Thomas Jefferson High School, 4.9677 GPA. Attending the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in the fall, where she wants to earn a nursing degree. Daughter of Tomeka Graham and Aaron Graham. “The pandemic has given me the opportunity to learn more about myself without the added pressures of socialization,” she said. “I have been given time to focus on myself and figure out what I want and plan how I will accomplish it. This pandemic has also taught me to value the little things in life and appreciate all of my blessings and the people in my life. Another silver lining is that I get to spend a lot more time with my dog, Rocco.”

CAROLINE SCHNEIDER, Richmond Community High School, 4.8 GPA. Attending the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg in the fall. She is leaving her options open before deciding on a major. Daughter of Greg and Joanna Schneider. COVID-19 has exposed “how interconnected all lives are,” she said when asked about the silver lining of this time. “We are dependent on each other in ways never before appreciated. To acknowledge this and to recognize the importance of people, no matter who they are, is to find hope.”

JANE RUGGLES, Open High School, 4.9483 GPA. Attending the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in the fall, where she plans to major in biology and environmental science. Daughter of Sandra Lambert and Jeffrey Ruggles. “For me, the silver lining of this pandemic has been the ability to spend time with my family before going to college. I was very busy before the pandemic and I have tried to be thankful for this time. I’ve also been happy to see how my school, classes and friends have stayed in touch although separated.”

LAMAR TRUEHEART, George Wythe High Scho, 4.35 GPA. Attending Christopher Newport University in Newport News in the fall, where he wants to major in computer engineering. Son of Tonya Trueheart and Larry Trueheart Sr. He credits his parents for helping him on this “remarkable journey.” He says COVID-19 “has been a difficult time for all of us. Due to staying indoors, I have been gaming as one of my pastimes and took a new interest in baking,” he said. What does he see as the silver lining? “This allows us to appreciate the little things that we would normally take for granted.”

AUDRYA JIGGETTS, John Marshall High School, 4.2333 GPA. Attending Old Dominion University in Norfolk in the fall, where she wants to major in sports communication/ journalism. Daughter of Lakeisha Jones-Jiggetts and Derwin Jiggetts. She credits her parents for getting her where she is today. “I’ve worked on managing my time wisely and finding myself as an individual,” she said, when asked how life has changed during the pandemic. “I have gained so many opportunities to display a message to the Class of 2020 since I’m speaking at the virtual graduation.”

JANELLE SAMPLE, Huguenot High School, 4.58 GPA. Attending Claflin University in Orangeburg, S.C., in the fall, where she wants to major in business administration. Daughter of Tonya Sample and Alfredo Sample. She credits her parents with getting her this far. How is her life different during the pandemic? “I’m learning new skills that will help me start my own business in the future,” she said. As for the silver lining, “I’m spending more time with my family. I am also focusing more on my future.”

DARIUS GRAY, Franklin Military Academy, 4.6129 GPA. Attending Old Dominion University in Norfolk in the fall, where he plans to major in civil engineering. Son of Terrance and Katrina Gray. The pandemic has allowed him to spend time with his family. That has been a silver lining, he says. “My family and I were very busy people before this pandemic. Now, I get to spend quality time with them that I was not able to do during a regular day. Another silver lining for me is my appreciation for the variety of activities I was able to participate in this year like Senior Day, indoor track and spending time with my friends. I’m looking forward to going to college and embarking on new challenges.”

KAPRI ROBINSON, Armstrong High School, 3.875 GPA. Attending University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg in the fall, where she plans to major in historical preservation. Daughter of Gwendolyn Robinson. She thanks her mother for her success. “My mother encouraged me to work hard and to be kind to others,” she said. How has life changed during the pandemic? “It makes me view the world differently,” she said. “It shows how even in light of something that affects everyone, there’s still hope that we can make it out together. We’re learning more about each other. I’ve learned so much more about my family during this than before when I had a busy schedule.”