March 31, 2020
By Gianna Alberti
Staff Writer
March 13 was far from an ordinary Friday for senior Mackenzie Kelly. She and her peers walked out of school that day wondering when, and if, they would be returning to LHS.
While the high school’s closure impacts all of its students, it has been especially difficult for seniors because they fear the cancelation of milestone events including senior banquet, graduation and Project Graduation.
Furthermore, virtual schooling can be especially difficult for seniors because they tend to be enrolled in the most high-level courses and are preparing for Advanced Placement tests.
Kelly, who is taking five AP classes, said she felt nervous when she heard the news about LHS’ switch to remote education.
“It’s awful not being in school. You don’t appreciate going to school until it’s gone.”
“I knew I was going to have to keep up with a lot of work with no set schedule, which is hard to manage,” Kelly said. “I think online schooling works better for some classes than others. Learning calculus online is much more difficult than turning in assignments for English.”
Kelly said she prefers to be in school, in part because teachers are assigning more work during online schooling.
“Being at school gives me the opportunity to ask more questions and work with people instead of doing everything independently. It’s hard to understand lessons without a teacher to explain it,” Kelly said.
As a four-year starting varsity softball player, Kelly said she is also upset that she will be missing out on what would have been an amazing softball season.
“Mentally, this setback in the season is making me more determined to put more work in every day in hopes that when we return, we can still have a successful season,” Kelly said. “Emotionally, I am distraught because I have been waiting all year for this season. This year’s team had something special because of the chemistry and outstanding talent.”
Senior Alyssa Musto, who is also a four-year varsity softball player, said she cannot imagine finishing out her high school career without softball.
“I’m not playing in college, so this would have been my final year on a softball field. It makes me upset because I feel like I never got my moment to be looked upon as a senior,” Musto said. “I felt like this was the season we would be really successful because our team looked so good. Everyone was working hard.”
Musto said she is concerned that it may not be possible for seniors to have a traditional graduation ceremony in June. She said she regards that occasion as especially important because it would mark the last time all her classmates would be together.
“I’ve been looking forward to it since my freshman year. If we don’t get a real graduation, I wouldn’t want a virtual one at all because it just wouldn’t be the same,” Musto said. “The Project Graduation Fashion Show was so memorable being with all my friends. I wanted to have that same experience with them at graduation.”
Senior Jonathon Berko, who has been on the varsity baseball team for two years, said he is sad that his practices and games have been suspended indefinitely.
“You never want a season to be cut short, and especially for it to end like this would just be devastating,” Berko said.
He said the team’s annual spring training trip to Florida, which took place in mid-March, filled him with anticipation.
“Playing in Florida with the guys felt amazing. We were getting ready for a great regular season,” Berko said.
He said he misses LHS and chilling with his friends in the field house before practice.
“I just want to be with my team, having fun and working to achieve our goal of winning a championship,” Berko said. “It’s awful not being in school. You don’t appreciate going to school until it’s gone.”
Senior Rebecca Paes said although there are positive aspects of virtual schooling, such as working at her own pace and not rushing to take notes, the experience has come with challenges.
“I’m finding it really hard to stay focused. Now that I’m at home, I don’t have a teacher not allowing me to go on my phone or talk to my friends. I always try to stay motivated and actually try to finish my homework,” Paes said.
She said even though it has been difficult, she is adapting to distance learning.
“It’s slightly preparing me because there are many assignments for college that have to be completed online, but I do miss going into school,” Paes said. “I miss walking the hallways, waving to my friend and having classes with my friends.”
