It was a time that many thought might not happen because of the coronavirus.

But, as it turned out, this celebration was more joyous, more exciting, more remarkable and more memorable because of that dreadful disease.

It was a reunion of sorts as the members of the Jersey Shore High School Class of 2020 gathered together for the first time since that Friday afternoon in March when they left school for the weekend and never went back.

That’s the day Gov. Tom Wolf closed all schools in the state for the rest of the school year because of the pandemic.

LANA MUTHLER / THE EXPRESS Jersey Shore High School graduates toss their caps in the air after receiving their diplomas.

They never got to say good-bye. They didn’t have their senior prom. Their senior year and all the long -awaited traditional activities ended abruptly.

Their graduation was in jeopardy, too.

But on Saturday morning, the sun shone brightly on the class off 2020, as they reunited with fellow classmates behind the high school.

Hugs and handshakes were plentiful as these classmates met again on this most important day. Some would say this was an nontraditional ceremony, but for these seniors and their parents, it was the day they had dreamed of. And they were all justly proud.

It was a different place, but there were the same sounds as the senior class paraded two-by-two through the parking lot in front of vehicles occupied by their families, enroute to their seats appropriately placed six feet apart in front of the high school.

LANA MUTHLER / THE EXPRESS Jersey Shore seniors gathered at the rear of the high school prior to graduation ceremonies.

As they passed by, horns honked, families whooped and hollered and the young men and women in black and orange waved and smiled broadly.

And then it seemed the same as always, as assistant superintendent Dr. Kenneth J. Dady Jr. came to the podium and welcomed everyone to the ceremony.

Dady said he has known most of this class since kindergarten and some made regular visits to his office… “to check up on me. I could tell lots of stories about the things they said and did and how hard I tried not to laugh.”

In their high school years, he said this group of students “took the positive to a whole new level,” remarking about their community service.

“You have touched the community with your hearts. Thank you for all you’ve done. I really love you,” Dady said as he took his seat.

LANA MUTHLER / THE EXPRESS Janna Riggle, senior class advisor, introduces the seniors.

Class President Gyasi Russo remembered that day when they left school without knowing they wouldn’t get to do all the things seniors do.

“Today is a day to celebrate. I can’t imagine the best years of my life without the best class,” he said.

Salutatorian Maxwell Ferguson said this class has overcome a lot of hardships, mentioning the high school football team that went the farthest in the history of the school, and then the pandemic.

“After seeing all of you everyday for 13 years, thank you… good-bye.. best of luck,” Ferguson said, leaving the microphone to valedictorian Brianna Rogers.

Rogers told her classmates, “It’s time to celebrate this milestone and be proud of yourself. Take every opportunity. Take nothing for granted. Stay true to yourself and achieve whatever you set your mind to.

LANA MUTHLER / THE EXPRESS Jersey Shore High School seniors took time to pose with classmates prior to Saturday’s graduation ceremony.

“Once a bulldog, always a bulldog. Congratulations to the class of 2020,” she said to rousing round of applause.

And then it was the time everyone waited for.

One-by-one, the seniors’ names were called and they walked onto the stage and received their diploma. On the way, each one stopped for a photo and handshake or hug from their class president before returning to their seats.

When all 168 seniors had returned to their seats, they participated in the turning of the tassel and were proclaimed Jersey Shore High School graduates.

As they threw their hats into the air in celebration, the noise was even louder as the class of 2020 left their voices be heard, and families shouted in proud recognition of the accomplishments of their sons and daughters.

LANA MUTHLER / THE EXPRESS Jersey Shore High School seniors took time to pose with classmates prior to Saturday’s graduation ceremony.

The Jersey Shore Bulldogs barked loudly on this day that might not have been.