No Cap! No Gown!
It’s the beginning of the third trimester, students are just getting adjusted to their new classes, and teachers are also jumping into their new units, but by the next week everything took a turn for the worse.
Soft closure took place immediately and gave teachers barely a week’s notice to create online content for students to continue their education.
The district was hopeful students would return April 6, until the Idaho State Board of Education declared all public, charter, and education facilities to stay closed until April 20th. Idaho was one of the last states to have zero reported cases of Covid-19 (Corona) but in less than a month it’s reached over a 1,000 cases and 20 deaths.
Schools around the country have extended closure until the end of year, not wanting to risk the spread of the virus, leaving seniors devastated they won’t get their senior dances, spring sports, and graduation ceremony. Other school districts aren’t giving an official answer in hopes conditions take a turn for the better, leaving seniors on edge.
April 10, a Friday night, the hopelessness of this virus didn’t seem so dark when high school stadiums all around the country had their lights on for 20 minutes to honor seniors. Staying in their car to keep social distancing in place, cheering was heard, horns honked, and signs were displayed! Our very own high school participated and it was bittersweet, knowing that this could be the last time seniors would see their teachers and even friends.
“I was pregnant with Skye when 9/11 happened. I went into panic mode; what sort of chaos was I bringing my baby into? No. That panic has never eased. This past month has caused our hearts so much grief. And by grief, I mean all stages of the grieving process. However, last night we had a minute of reprieve. We got to celebrate with a minute of happiness. Beyond the stadium lights, and the signs, and music (all which made my heart a little emotional), I saw my baby girl who is 18(!) in the back of our truck with my 4 other babies. They were wrapped up, loving and supportive of each other. My momma heart had a glimmer of peace in a world of chaos. That little tribe will make it through, with and because of each other.” Senior Skye Petersen’s mom wrote on a Facebook post.
#lighttheworld happened at MHS when the stadium lights turned on for 20 minutes to honor the class of 2020. Senior Skye Petersen and her family showed up ready to party.
