Clarke Central High School class of 2019 valedictorian Andrew Cauldwell gives his valedictorian speech on May 18, 2019. Even though Clarke Central High School students were not able to attend school in-person for the majority of the school year, senior Owen Donnelly believes that the Class of 2021 should focus on having a positive mindset as the school year comes to a close. Photo by Krista Shumaker
Dear Class of 2021,
It’s easy to say that our year was stolen.
The pandemic hit literally every aspect of our school, from football games to the FFA club. In the past year, students have been participating in class from their own rooms, and now teachers are currently being stretched more than ever because they are having to cater to in-person and online students at the same time.
It’s not fair. It sucks. We’re cursed. Those are all things I’ve thought before, and maybe those things are true. But, I refuse to stay trapped in that mindset.
It definitely sucks, but this way of life won’t last forever, and for many, life might already look close to what it was like pre-pandemic.
Seniors, whatever your life looks right now, your time at Clarke Central High School is coming to a close. With senior grades being due, we are set to graduate on May 22 in CCHS’ own Billy Henderson Stadium.
It has been a pleasant couple of weeks with students back in school, and I’d be lying if I said I don’t think about what the year would have been like without a pandemic, but it’s important to move on.
Each and every one of us has worked hard to earn this diploma, all while weathering the insurmountable storm that is the COVID-19 pandemic. So pat yourself on the back.
Online school was near impossible for many, yet we seniors made it work and managed to walk away with a diploma. Every student has overcome a battle of sorts in the past year, and while the pandemic is by no means over, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Let’s all enjoy these last couple weeks of in-person learning (if you so opted), and be grateful for the three years that we did get to spend together.
