We have all missed out on things due to the virus; however, last year’s seniors didn’t get their final prom, a normal graduation, or a spring sports season, for some. Obviously, this isn’t how they pictured their last year of high school. 

“The worst part of school shutting down was not being able to finish out my senior year and not being able to see my friends every day,” said Marlee Fulbright ‘20. 

One of the main things missed out on was prom and people were really excited for that. Unfortunately, they were not able to get a makeup prom but they did get a graduation. 

Bryce Brierly ‘20 said the worst part of senior year was, “Not being able to go to prom and twerk again.”

 Going into the start of this school year, the class of 2021 is not not getting the senior year they thought they would have, either. There’s a new schedule, only half the students are there at a time, new restrictions, and plenty of other new changes. 

“I think this school year is insanely weird and really sucks for it to be our senior year, but at least we’ll have something to remember it by,” said Bella Torres ‘21.

 In addition to school year changes, there are also some new changes to sports. There are limited tickets for each sporting event and also requirements according to each sport. 

“It’s weird wearing masks and not having many college scouts,” said Vannessa Robinson ‘21. 

Academically, there have been adjustments made. One of those changes is having a schedule where students don’t go to school every weekday. This has definitely been a weird change but everyone is trying their best to make the best of it. Online learning has been very different compared to in person but teachers and students are trying their best. 

“It’s taught me how to turn stuff in on time. That’s it,” said Nathan Faupel ‘21. 

As of right now, most events are cancelled or postponed; students will not be having a Homecoming Dance or a Powder Puff game, but hopefully they will be able to have it in the spring. 

But even the traditional spring events are up in the air. 

“Without knowing what the state guidelines will be with Covid in the Spring, there’s no way to know if it will be safe enough to have prom. That’s a bridge we’ll have to cross when we get there,” said Social Studies teacher Lauren Ciecierski. Class Advisors are doing everything they can to make sure we have a somewhat successful senior year.

Budgeting has changed a bit due to new costs. 

“Our budget is pretty tight considering all the new things we have to purchase including cleaning supplies, chromebooks, etc,” said Plainwell High School principal Jeremy Wright 

Mentally, Covid-19 has had an affect on many people. 

“For both staff and students, it has increased anxiety.  I know many feel extremely overwhelmed and feel like they are just treading water,” said Spanish teacher Sarah Boven.

The development of a vaccine, or herd immunity–whichever comes first–is what is keeping students and staff hopeful for the future of school and all that goes with it.