Class of COVID-19

Senior year has always seemed to have an air of magic around it. It’s in nearly every teen coming-of-age book or movie: the romance of prom night, walking across the stage to hold the diploma that took four years to earn and tearful goodbyes shared between students and parents as adult- hood looms on the horizon.

No one imagines being stuck in quarantine for the end of their senior year.

It all happened in a flash. Spring break came and went. School was still out of session. March and April passed. Governor Kim Reynolds declared that the 2019-2020 school year was over.

Some students felt relieved, as they wouldn’t have to stress over future tests and assignments. Others, most notably the graduating class of 2020, weren’t thrilled upon learning that they would not be finishing their senior year.

“I’m the most upset about not being able to properly say goodbye to my friends and thank all of my teachers,” Lindsey Hill, sr., said.

With the year cut short, the class of 2020 is missing out on many celebratory events that mark the end of their high school career. Senior recognition night, traditional graduation and spring sports and activities were canceled for the safety of the students.

“I wish we would have been able to perform the spring musical,” Hill said. “We all put so much dedication and love into it. It would have also been a great way to say goodbye for the seniors involved.”

the hard work of the Kennedy community continues to shine. These timehonored traditions are held near and dear to the hearts of many, so the Cougars will keep working to lessen the consequences brought by COVID-19.

Jami Martin-Trainor