Almost all can agree that currently, nobody has had a harder time adjusting to a virtual school setting than the class of 2021. Not only were their junior year festivities canceled, but most have yet to even step foot in the school since the start of their senior year. With long-awaited events like prom, Red and Black, senior banquets and graduation seemingly around the corner, any hope of normalcy or returning is slowly slipping away.

In the beginning, not all hope was lost. In fact, some seniors involved in clubs like Link Crew and Student Council were fortunate enough to return back to school, even if it was just for a few days. Some could also return back to school, often to attend practices and play in games with their respective teams for one last year. But most seniors have yet to return to school this year, deciding to stay home with the rate of COVID cases again spiking. 

“I was actually supposed to go hybrid,” said senior Stephanie Mao, “but I stayed home because the Corona cases were rising way too fast.” And now, under the current circumstances, the School Board has decided to remain online through January 8th. 

“Initially it was [hard], but what can you do?” said senior Lindsay Park. As a member of Link Crew,

Student Council and the girls golf team, Lindsay was one of the few seniors to briefly return to the

school. “I went back for the Link Crew tours and it was weird. I stepped into the hallways and it felt familiar, but different. But it was nice to be back and see the new equipment set up and, if and when we get to go back, I am not worried. The school has done a great job preparing for us to come.”

Meanwhile, as the school continues with remote instruction, Lindsay has been doing her best to stay both active and engaged. “The most ‘abnormal’ thing is just not being in person, so I am trying to go into HATS and get as much in-person conversation as possible.” And she continues to remain positive and optimistic, often baking to cope with the stresses posed by online school, or learning new hobbies like calligraphy and cooking.

Similar to Lindsay, senior Kelly Makovics also had the opportunity to visit the school. For her, maintaining “normalcy” was playing field hockey for the school. “During the fall, I played field hockey, which felt normal. And it was outside, so that was nice,” said Kelly.

But for seniors like Stephanie, online school has been an adversity since day one. “I would try to be positive but not going to lie, I have no motivation left,” said Stephanie. “First semester really stunk, but it is just because it was online. It is so hard learning online because you have no motivation every day.” To combat the bad habits online school has caused, Stephanie has been working. “I go to work, which is nice because I have the same schedule almost everyday. So that is something that will continue to make me okay.”

It is easy to dwell on what could have been when almost two semesters were taken away from the class of 2021, but Stephanie tries to focus on her future rather than her past. “Staying home and being safe is the best choice for everyone in general. Besides, we’ll have college and we’ll be fine – this is not the end of the world. Our problems of missing senior year are not as important as the problems of people who are suffering with Coronavirus around the world,” said Stephanie.

Even though COVID hardships have varied among all seniors, almost all can come to one consensus: they fear missing prom, graduation, and Red and Black. Prom is a staple in any high school career, whether one chooses to attend or not. Unfortunately for the class of 2021, most have yet to experience this once-in-a-lifetime experience due to their junior year ending early. But it is plausible that their senior prom may be canceled too. 

“I am worried about prom,” said Kelly. “We didn’t have one last year, so it would be sad if we don’t have [it] this year.” In addition to prom, Kelly shared other things she is worried won’t happen this year. “I am sad that we are probably going to miss out on Red and Black. They may reschedule it, but I don’t know.”

Stephanie, also a fan of Red and Black, agreed. “Red and Black is a big thing we are going to miss out on, which [stinks] because Red and Black is the main school event that is only at HH.” 

But it is the fear of missing graduation that continues to worry seniors. After all, it is what most high schoolers hope to accomplish after four years of hard work. “I have really been looking forward to that stadium graduation… I am [just] hoping that for the class of 2021, we can have a good, solid graduation,” said Lindsay.

Thus far, the class of 2021 has had a year like no other thus far. Whether it be for better or for worse, there is no denying the unique nature of the senior class’ last year of high school.  

“I would say I did have a good [high school] experience,” said Kelly. “Personally, I think COVID [added] to it because it gave me a new perspective in life. When people have all four years of their senior year, it is all the same. But with COVID, it is a whole different ball game. In the future, I can say ‘oh, at least you had a senior year’ and make jokes about it.”