Ledyard — Graduation ceremonies held Friday on the Ledyard High School athletic field for the 166 members of the Class of 2021.

Graduates were reminded of the unique challenges they faced in their junior and senior years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But they were also told they survived those challenges.

"You are the strongest people I've ever encountered in my life," Class President Evelyn Morrison said. "We'd have every right to be angry, and upset, to complain, yell, and scream, but we still showed up every day. ..."

"We remain despite everything that was taken from us, because we knew deep down, it would all be worth it," she added. "Today is that day."

School Principal Amanda Fagen said despite the narrative in the news and on social media that "it's been the worst year due to the pandemic, and so much has been lost ... to ignore what has also been accomplished by students shouldn't be done."

While she didn't want to dismiss the problems and troubles people have suffered during the pandemic, she noted that students have become more capable at technology and are more likely to think creatively to accomplish tasks while learning remotely.

"You made it one day at a time," she added. "You did more than simply make it, you crushed it." She went on to note the many athletic, artistic and scholastic achievements of the students.

"It was the worst year, or was it?" she said.

Photo gallery

For a gallery of more photos from the graduation ceremony,

click here.