BY MIA MOBERLY
In the age of COVID-19, we are seeing so many sacrifices by so many people. Doctors, nurses, and EMTs on the front lines are working long shifts, putting their lives at risk for their patients. School administrators and teachers are finding new and creative ways to teach from home, all while juggling childcare and other situations.
Students are struggling to find balance between home life and managing their education. It’s been a hard year globally, and everyone is struggling to adjust to the new normal. To focus on a small part of the big picture, let’s take a look at what Trenton High School seniors are doing in an attempt to restore the traditions and ceremonies that they’ve looked forward to for years.
Many students are feeling robbed of their senior year. It’s a valid emotion. Seeing the classes before us participate in senior traditions like the all night party, prom, and graduation only made us more excited. We do recognize the global struggle, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be sad about missing out on a normal senior experience.
Administrators, teachers, and students have been working tirelessly to try to restore these rites of passage. A huge player in this project has been the Digital Media Club. Led by Digital Media and English teacher April Lopez and Club President Marky Revesz, the club has created digital alternatives for events like Night Of The Stars and Graduation.
For those who don’t know, Night of The Stars is an event in the auditorium where senior superlatives are presented. It’s important to note that these alternatives are being made in preparation for the worst-case scenarios, such as the school being unable to reschedule the Graduation Ceremony.
Another Digital Media Club member, senior Samantha Toth, has been working hard on the annual senior video. It’s been a challenge this year, since in the past years a lot of the footage came from the senior picnic and the last day of school. She has been collecting videos from students and staff to fill the void. Personally, I can’t wait to see it. Since this is an evolving situation, it has been hard to plan around it. Digital Media Club is helping to prepare for the many situations that may come our way.
Another way the Class of 2020 has been coping is through a Facebook page called “Trenton High School Adopt-A-Senior.” Organized by students Jocelyn Beuther, Cassidy Francis, May Gulley, and Sophia Spaulding, it’s a page unaffiliated with the school that allows parents to post pictures and a short biography of their senior. Community members then “adopt” the student by bringing college gear, candy, and other gifts to their doorstep. It may not fix everything, but it sure gives students a little mood boost.
One especially heartwarming story was Senior Cassidy Francis’ experience. “It was amazing getting to reconnect with an old friend all while receiving a sentimental gift,” she said. Cassidy was adopted by Trenton resident Natalie Otter-Knaggs. Years ago, Cassidy’s mom used her excellent sewing skills to make a teacher bag for Mrs. Knaggs. When Cassidy was in fourth grade, her mom passed away.
“Mrs. Knaggs ‘adopted’ me and gave me the same teacher bag my mom made her,” said Cassidy. This time, however, it was filled with classroom supplies and candy, as Cassidy will be attending Saginaw Valley in the fall to study secondary education. While recovering from this loss, Cassidy has shown so much love and compassion to the community, and it was only fitting for her to receive such a thoughtful and kind gift.
We are so thankful for our THS staff and administrators and all the work they are doing for us. Lori Simmons, a THS biology teacher, has also been organizing a digital collection of Class of 2020 memories. Over the past few months, she has been collecting letters, photos, and messages from parents and students to compile into a Google website. Lori Holcomb is another staff member going above and beyond. Normally she is involved in planning and executing events like prom, the talent show, and Homecoming Queen’s Judging, but her job has been a bit different lately.
“It’s been a challenge to celebrate our students this year,” said Holcomb. “Luckily we have great staff and administrative leadership and were able to come up with some great ideas to make things special for our seniors amidst the chaos and still safely adhere to all the rules.”
Thank you THS staff for doing so much for us. In this time of uncertainty, they are making our year feel a little more secure. To the seniors, THS and beyond, good luck with the rest of 2020. Stay healthy.
THS 2020 graduate Mia Moberly served as the Trib’s high school correspondent this past school year.