The editorial for the week of graduation practically writes itself: praise for the seniors at Newtown High School, kudos for their teachers, hopes for the futures of these young adults — no matter their immediate plans — admonitions to make the most of the education provided in this school system, and best wishes for the great adventures awaiting them.

But the Newtown High School Class of 2020 experienced the finale of their school years in quarantine, making accolades of previous years feel flat. The novel coronavirus snuffed out the senior experiences of prom; awards night; public presentations of projects; a spring play; a spring concert… The procession across the stage to receive that coveted diploma will be on one erected outside the school, with only a fraction of fellow seniors and families on hand to witness the proud walk. The rest of the ceremonies will be prerecorded for later viewing.

Couple this with recent civil unrest that seems to suspend the rules of social distancing for a greater cause, youth is left clawing at the right thing to do for the best future.

There are no good answers to questions of “What next?”

Internships and jobs planned to carry students through the summer and into a freshman year at college or apprenticeships to build a future have been, for many, canceled. Gatherings of friends and trips to the beaches or sports events are curtailed until states reopen on a greater scale. Summer vacation plans with families and friends are uncertain. The leap to independence, on their own at university or universe, is in flux.

When adults are flailing around for solutions to the immense problems generated by pandemic and turmoil, what words can give encouragement to young people advancing into a disrupted world?

What we can say, is that this upended ending to school years does not dilute the value of all that has been learned; these weeks of social distancing are another of life’s experiences. The value of the people who keep society flowing smoothly has been made apparent, the necessity of treating every human equally is being emphasized. That awareness is a gift for daily living.

Patience is a lesson imparted — patience with technology, with family members, with ourselves as emotions threaten to overwhelm us. Patience as change crawls forward.

We remind this class of its resiliency. The Class of 2020 was one of 10-year-olds in 2012, when tragedy struck Sandy Hook Elementary School, shattering lives. These young people have supported each other, have reached out within the community, have rebounded in ways that benefit many beyond the borders of this town since that time. They know how to face adversity.

We know that they have the skills to master life’s lessons. We know that they are the sparks that will light the knowledge leading to a better world.

We can say, with confidence, the Newtown Class of 2020 will be fearless in facing unprecedented challenges. We say, have courage. Have faith. Have hope. It is within you; of that, we are sure.