The year that is anticipated from childhood, encapsulated with caps in the air, final prom, patriotic college announcements and a memorable walk across the stage to receive the diploma that reflects four years of hard work. Senior year, the year of goodbyes. The senior year experience is one of the most memorable years in one’s life, and for the Class of 2020 it is more. It is the year without a goodbye. The Class of 2020 will not get the anticipated goodbye to high school due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

On account of the severity of the pandemic, seniors never knew their last day was the last. Many were expecting to walk the halls once again as students with their peers, however, to keep public health as the first priority, the school year has remained online. Many were hurt to find out that they would not be returning to finish their school year with their classmates. On top of regular classes, seniors additionally had to conclude their teams in a sport or activity. Many seniors were captains of their sports teams and ready to lead their team through their years of experience. Although sports and activities were not able to be organized, teams are still coming together to celebrate the hard work of seniors. Sports teams are turning their field lights on every week for the Class of 2020, and other activities have held online banquets to commemorate their accomplishments. OHS Student School Board Representative Logan Risch said, “Not everything is going to go as planned, so adapting to change is important in situations like these.”

The hardest aspect for seniors is that this time of year is filled with many memories that they will not be getting back. One of the most prominent being senior prom, where students come together to celebrate a night of dressing up with peers and dancing throughout the night. Furthermore, many senior traditions will have to be passed over for the Class of 2020 including senior sendoff, scholarship night, elementary school walkthrough and senior tailgate. Although many of these traditions cannot be done through quarantine conditions, OHS is trying to use their resources to honor this year’s seniors in ways that are safe. OHS staff delivered caps and gowns to seniors to say a personal congratulations. The OHS administration is working out graduation to find the best alternative to keep the community safe while also carrying out the honoring of seniors to the best of their abilities.

MAKING THE MOST OF THE SITUATION

Despite the school year not going nearly as planned, numerous aspects can be taken out of this situation to move on in the best way. Many seniors are still embracing this time to learn subjects, master new hobbies and spend time with family. The Class of 2020 is emitting how to make the best out of situations. Seniors have also used this time to help others such as acts of service including online tutoring, sewing masks and getting groceries for elders. Seniors Ruth Livingston and Madole have used their sewing skills from their self-made business Scrunchies etc, to make masks for the Owatonna police and fire department. Livingston said, “ It’s a great thing to do with all of my free time because I know what I am doing will help others.” Seniors may have lost a memorable time, but they have gained the pride in knowing that their sacrifices went to helping the community in a difficult time of need.

Losing this time of high school is difficult for seniors around the nation to move on to the next chapter without getting a complete goodbye from the last. Senior Leah Tucker said, “I’m sad that I missed out on so many memories that I’ll never get back, but I’m excited for the next chapter of my life. I’ll still have all the memories from 9-11th grade and I’ll know that our class will stay close.” The Class of 2020 should know that their sacrifices are being honored and will always be remembered. The OHS administration has been very busy planning a unique celebration experience for seniors so that they may have a day of celebrating their accomplishments. OHS Principal Mr. Kory Kath said, “ I just want our seniors to know that I think about them every day and wish they were here. They deserve a special day all about them and we are going to make it happen.”

Learning has been different when students are not in the classrooms. Students have to essentially learn to balance everything out on their own, leaving their learning in their hands. This unique experience has taught students, especially seniors, how to independently take action on their learning experience. Senior Joey Brueggemeier said, “I have learned patience and personal time management skills needed for the modern worker. ” These skills are important for seniors as they will benefit them greatly as they move on to new steps in life.

As seniors are moving on to achieve their goals and aspirations, the community including the Owatonna High School will always honor this class and the unique experience that they endured. It is important to remember that this class will always share this distinctive experience wherever they go. Despite the many things they have lost, they have gained an experience that will never go unnoticed. May the Class of 2020 continue to move on with grace, and accomplish magnificent things in their futures.