By Hannah Davis
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper made an executive order closing all K-12 public schools until May 15th, 2020, to slow the spread of COVID-19. This has drastically changed the daily lives of all students, but most can count on returning to school sometime in the future. However, members of the Senior Class of 2020 are unsure if they will be able to go to school one last time.
For most, senior year is one to remember, marked by special events and memories with friends. Due to restrictions in response to COVID-19, seniors are unsure if they will get to have those experiences.
When asked how the pandemic has affected her, East Bladen High School senior Ashley Stewart said, “I think really that it affected us more than we all thought it would. We all expected this to blow over and now we’re realizing that there is no final prom, no senior tailgates, no decision day celebration, and possibly no graduation.”
Janet Rivera, West Bladen High School senior said, “For me, my senior year has been affected as it has taken various opportunities and events such as prom, Youth Legislative Assembly, and even making special memories with my friends.”
Prom is one of the major events that many seniors look forward to. Unfortunately, East Bladen and West Bladen high schools have had to cancel their proms this year due to social distancing rules. After months to years of waiting for that special day, previously eager students had to sit at home on the day prom was scheduled. Some decided to participate by getting ready for the night as they would have before the pandemic: doing their hair, makeup, and wearing their outfit.
Other activities like academic competitions and conferences as well as spring sports have been canceled. Some seniors have spent months studying, practicing, or preparing for events like club competitions or the last year of their favorite sport. The sudden cancellations were very upsetting to many people, as they realized they can’t get that time back or experience those long-awaited activities.
Another challenging aspect of the temporary closure of school is the transition to online learning. Rivera stated, “While I have had some experience with online classes through BCC it is different when it comes to high school. The material may be the same but it’s a change of mindset of having to learn a different way.” It has been a tough change for both teachers and students, but both parties are doing their best to keep up during this time. “I am thankful for all my teachers who are readily available and are always trying to help us in this time to learn the material,” she said.
While it is unfortunate that seniors are missing out on highly anticipated events, memories to be made, and their last year of school, these restrictions were made with public safety in mind. To slow the spread of COVID-19 and practice personal safety, it’s best to stay inside as much as possible. Parents, family, and members of the community are doing what they can to honor seniors with social media posts, Senior Class of 2020 bows, and other creative ideas. It’s a tough adjustment for most seniors, but they are staying strong through this pandemic and the major changes to their school-life.
Jennifer Potter, an Elizabethtown resident, and mom to an East Bladen High School senior created an, “Adopt a Senior – Bladen County” group on Facebook. She stated, “I was recently added to a group in where I had the privilege of adopting high school seniors. In doing so, I decided I would pay it forward to our Bladen County graduating seniors.”
Potter explained the reason for the program, “As we know, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, high school seniors, and their families, were hit hard with finding out that they may not be able to go to prom or do some of the fun things that Seniors get to do. For those of us who were fortunate enough to experience those memorable things, you know how important it is. Unfortunately, it appears like the Class of 2020 will not be able to say the same…”
She continued, “If you find it on your heart, I am asking you all to help let the Class of 2020 know they’re not alone and do something special to uplift their spirits during this difficult time. Pick a senior (or seniors) to adopt! When you agree to adopting your senior(s), you could send them a card, gift basket, etc. The gift(s) you choose to give to them does not have to be expensive, just something you can afford and find it on your heart to give. You never know the impact you can make in someone’s life by a simple act of kindness… Peace and God’s blessings to each of you!!”
Potter added the disclaimer, “All information you give is given at your own discretion.” The group is open to the public at: https://www.facebook.com/
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