Class of 2020 felt lack of closure, Palatine grad says
Patrick Angelaccio was an academic scholar at Palatine High School, so recognized for the high grade-point average maintained through his first seven semesters there.
Away from the classroom he was involved in numerous clubs and activities, including serving as class president.
Though he has considered architecture in the past, Patrick is keeping an open mind about his career path as he prepares to attend the University of Tennessee in the fall.
Q: What traditions and events did you miss most with the way your senior year ended?
A: I think most of life is just to start something and have the closure. It was hard for a lot of people because there was no closure. I think graduation was the hardest thing for a lot of the students. Everything in high school is about moving on to the next chapter. It's usually that ceremony, that handshake and that piece of paper that signifies that you're moving on to the next chapter in your life.
Q: What silver linings were you able to find?
A: There's a couple things that have changed - some for the better. Each class had a senior class drive in which we drove past our teachers. I think that should be brought back. A lot of people were crying. There were also online proms and small group proms. People tried to make it as normal as possible.
Q: What's the future hold for you?
A: I'm not working. I know a lot of people are looking for jobs. I am going to school in the fall. At the University of Tennessee we were told we are starting. I know I need a big school and wanted to go out of state.