By Kayla Phillips
Earlier this year, millions of high school seniors across the county were left heartbroken after they learned they would not get the opportunity to have a commencement ceremony due to COVID-19.
Many high school principals and student’s families have gone out of their way to make sure the class of 2020 still feels celebrated despite the circumstances.
When President Trump declared a national emergency because of the coronavirus outbreak in March most seniors did not realize the gravity of the situation. “I thought we were going to have the two-week lockdown then life would go back to normal,” said Maysa Phillips, a senior at Westlake High School. “At most, I thought they would push back our senior prom.”
As time went on the United States and countries abroad quickly started to shut down, close borders, and take necessary precautions. The World Health Organization Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared the coronavirus a pandemic on March 11.
“WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction,” said Ghebreyesus in a written statement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidelines that recommended refraining from gathering in groups of 10 or more. When it became clear that a traditional in-person commencement ceremony was not possible, seniors were devastated.
“I was devastated to hear that after 13 years of school, we would not be able to go to prom, have a graduation and go on a senior trip,” said Gabrielle Anderson, a senior at Plainfield South High School
Jamar Robinson, the principal of Westlake High School, decided to honor the graduating class by putting their senior pictures on billboards throughout the city. “We knew we had to do something huge to make up for that they are still recognized and still loved so you drive up and down the streets and you see these gigantic billboards highlighting everything. Our students up there as well,” Robinson said.
Benjamin Davis High School in Houston recognized their seniors by having a drive-by graduation ceremony. Students were able to pick up their diploma and take pictures, while still practicing social distancing and following CDC guidelines.
“It was thoughtful, but it didn’t feel the same,” said Arionne Samuels, senior at Benjamin Davis High School. “Most of the faculty wasn’t there either.” Samuels is attending Prairie View A&M University to major in nursing and eventually become a doctor.
Missing out on big milestones has also taken a toll on some student’s mental health. Sad, devastated and depressed were all adjectives used to describe how students felt about the sudden change to their senior year.
However, some students were not too upset. When asked how she reacted to the news, Jazlyn Mills, a senior at Villa Rica High School, responded, “I honestly did not care as much as others did.”
The class of 2020 has missed out on memories that can never be replaced, but their health is a priority.
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