By Elizabeth DaCunha
It’s not unusual to feel like the pandemic has gotten to you. Most of us are sick of all these restrictions and doing everything virtually, but how are our FHS seniors feeling as all of the traditional senior events are either not happening or will have to be modified.
It’s important to note that not only has this year been difficult for our Class of 2021 seniors, but also the remainder of their junior year was affected when COVID first hit.
Ian Stackpole brought back the memories of last year’s abrupt stop to the school year and how it took away much of his junior year experiences.
“This pandemic started at the worst possible time for our class. It cut off junior day, junior prom, and the spring sports season,” he said.
This really puts it into perspective for those who are not aware of how much this pandemic has taken away from students.
Not only was the end of last year ruined, but COVID has continued to take a toll on the present school year as well.
Stackpole continued to share how upset he was, stating, “This year wasn’t really a ‘senior year’ for us. It was just a chopped up final year to get us out of here.”
It truly is unfair how much our seniors are missing out on, especially during their last year at the high school.
Will Benoit listed just some of the many events that have been canceled or modified that he and the rest of the senior class were looking forward to.
“There’s definitely the obvious things like prom, homecoming, sports, regular graduation, but also I really hoped that by the time this year started I could have one more normal year with all of my friends before we all go off to college next year,” said Mr. Benoit.
Students aren’t just sad about the fact that they’re missing out on dances and pep rallies. They’re most upset that they are missing out on a normal school year where the classroom has a more upbeat energy where they can work together, and getting hyped for sports games with big crowds.
Twelfth-grader Matt Cadieux shared what this pandemic has taught him as it has made this year feel like a pill that’s hard to swallow: “The pandemic has laid a toll on me and my peers by casting a blanket of isolation and a lack of inspiration for the future. COVID has made me realize that in a blink of an eye all the little things I take for granted could be taken away from me.”
Similarly, Meghan Oliver made a statement on the effects of COVID on her senior year: “The pandemic has made the idea of senioritis so much more extreme because at this point we’re already committed to colleges and have absolutely nothing to look forward to at the end of this year.”
With that being said, Sophia Medeiros is hopeful despite all that has been happening.
“I’m hoping things can all go back to normal before the school year is over!” she said.
I know I speak for all of the Fairhaven High School community when I say that I truly do hope our seniors get everything they deserve.
It’s unfair, and it’s upsetting that they are not able to experience those memories that fulfill your high school years.
It has been a pleasure to share my short time at the high school with our seniors who have served as impeccable role models during such difficult times. We can only hope that things will improve from here, and hopefully a somewhat normal graduation is within reach for our seniors.
The high school is trying to improvise, and make this year as enjoyable as possible for our 12th graders. They are currently holding an “Adopt-A-Senior” event that involves the community rewarding the seniors with personalized gift baskets. Please feel free to be a part of this and call Fairhaven High School to learn more, 508-979-4052.
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