Class of 2020 Leaves Lasting Legacy

Seniors activate school spirit and assume leadership in and outside the classroom

By Oliver Sabo '20

As the class of 2020 begins their final exam week at St. Christopher’s from the isolation of their homes, seniors ponder what kind of legacy they will leave behind.

Through the first semester of the school year, the class was already receiving high praise. Some, including Thomas Hunter ’20, believe that the class of 2020 is “the best in school history.”

We arrived on campus in early August eager to take over leadership of the Upper School. The first noticeable difference was the Student Council. At the first chapel of the year, Student Council President Chas Steinbrugge spoke about the goals for the school year, highlighting school spirit as a priority.

School spirit had been an issue at St. Christopher’s for a few years before the class of 2020 took charge. William McDermott ’20 describes student sections as “lackluster and effortless.” Jonathan Phares ’20 recalls that “there was barely any cheering when we scored touchdowns.”

From the first kickoff of the 2019-2020 season, Student Council and seniors “brought a renewed sense of school spirit,” according to Cameron Talibi ’20. Week after week, student sections, home and away, were filled with cheering fans dressed to the appropriate theme posted on the Student Council’s Instagram page. Students supported each other in every sport and activity possible, whether it be squash matches, Ampersand shows or wrestling tournaments.

Another idea brought to life by senior Student Council members: the resurrection of Red Man. The Saint’s new mascot, brought to life by Walker Wallace ‘20, became an instant fan favorite among the student body. He appeared in videos, chapels and of course “The Greatest Pep Rally of All Time.”

All the school spirit made for two historic athletic seasons for varsity teams. The fall and winter squads brought home six out of seven possible Prep League titles, as well as a couple of state titles in cross country and swimming. The Chess Club also found success, defeating FUMA for an additional Prep League title.

These trophies wouldn’t have gone to the Saints had it not been for the seniors. The class of 2020 had 26 student athletes sign, the highest number in school history. Sports Information Captain McDermott observed the hard work that this group put in during their high school careers. “Everyone had goals they wanted to accomplish, and I think it’s safe to say that those goals were met through hard work and togetherness.”

This group of seniors will also be remembered for the commitment to service they demonstrated throughout the year. Monthly river cleanups became very popular with the whole school. Senior Zach Harrison started a tutoring program at Fairfield Court Elementary School in the East End. Brad Owen, Alex Sadid and Jude Reiferson started a Habitat for Humanity club at STC.

Zach Harrison '20 and Oliver Sabo '20 hang out with students at Fairfield Elementary School.

With the arrival of COVID-19 and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s decision to close schools for the remainder of the year, the discussion of legacy has become more complicated. The thought of two months of distance learning could be deflating to some. The seniors saw it as an opportunity to continue their leadership.

The cancellation of in-person classes, sports, and the delay of traditions like prom and graduation was hard to imagine. Instead of getting hung up on it, seniors got right to work. Reiferson, leader of the Political Awareness Club, started weekly online meetings. The Student Council kept creating content for the Instagram page. While it wasn’t nearly the same, seniors provided countless ways to stay busy during quarantine.

Perhaps the best example of the class of 2020’s legacy came toward the end of the year. Weeks into online learning, a majority of seniors began to notice flaws in the schedule. Instead of complaining to each other, seniors got together in the class group chat and discussed an approach to the issue.

A number of emails, surveys and class meetings with administrators later, the seniors got the schedule they were pushing for. The class of 2020 will be remembered for events like this. When they had an issue with anything, they made sure to come together and make their voice heard.

Most importantly, the class of 2020 will be known as a group that loves and cares about each other greatly. Harrison appreciates the group dynamics. “Above all else, we have been the class of communication,” he said. “We have always been a family and always support each other, despite any differences we may have.”

Most seniors, including Phares share Harrison’s view, saying, “I am confident that the relationships I have made while at St. Chris will remain with me for the rest of my life. … The class of 2020, among other positive qualities, should be remembered as the class of unity.”