‘It’s hard to see those commitments and events slip through our hands’ Local high school seniors chime in on how the school cancellations have changed what they thought their last year would be

For high school seniors across Iowa who have recently learned they won't be returning to school at all for the final part of the year, there has been a ubiquitous sense of sadness and grieving. Not being able to walk for graduation, canceled sports seasons and end-of-year activities only add to the list of unanticipated disappointments as the students prepare to leave for their collegiate careers.

Hannah Newman, a soon-to-be-graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, said she saw the extended closure coming but was disappointed nonetheless.

'I really didn't expect us to go back to school [after the initial closure]. My parents are teachers and neither thought we were going back, so I was not really surprised, but it still sucked and was still pretty sad when I heard about it,” Newman said.

As a softball player, Newman still is hanging onto hope her season won't be canceled.

'They said they'll make a decision on summer sports on June 1. I'd really like to have my last season,” she said.

In addition to sports, Newman said there are a slew of end-of-year activities she was looking forward to but is unclear whether they will still take place. Newman, who is part of her school's band and choir, was sad to find out their Dessert Theater showcase had been canceled, as well as their band trip.

As for prom, which has tentatively been moved to July, Newman said she has her dress and shoes 'picked out and ready to go.”

'It was nice for them to put [changing the date] into consideration. It's really nice of them,” the senior said of the school administration's efforts to find alternative ways to hold events.

But even with the rescheduling, Newman understands there's no guarantee she will get to go.

'I might just put it all on and take pictures. It honestly might have to happen. I might get together with friends and we can have our own little prom,” Newman said of what she plans to do should it be canceled.

Though the closures have put a dampener on what is usually a joyful time, Newman said the change in pace also has been nice.

'Usually this is a really busy time of year and just not having the stress of homework and practices means I have more time to spend with my family and connect,” she said.

Looking ahead, Newman said she plans to attend Kirkwood Community College for forensic psychology before transferring for a four-year institution.

'It's kind of crazy to think I'm now officially a freshman in college and we didn't really finish senior year. I feel pretty confident that I'll be fine. We got half way, and were almost done with the third quarter. I think teachers got to most of the important stuff, so I'm not as worried about going into college. I think everybody will work with [students] because it's such a weird time,” Newman added.

Like Newman, Leah Marek, a senior at Washington High School, is disappointed to be missing out on her last year as a high school athlete.

'I have been running track since sixth grade and unfortunately, I will not get my last season or the opportunity to say goodbye to a sport I love. Track was the main reason why it was so difficult for me to accept this news. I had an incredible team this year and was excited to see what we could do together. Luckily the experiences that I've had the past five years have been more than I could ever ask for and I am grateful to have been a part of this sport, even if it didn't end the way I had planned,” Marek said.

Washington Community School District is one of few in the state requiring online learning for high school students. Marek said while the transition to a digital classroom has been a bit of a challenge but the absence has made her even more excited to get back to a regular setting.

'While we are continuing with online curriculum currently, I miss the atmosphere and interaction that the classroom provides. I think once the time comes to go back, I'll be eager and ready to continue my education,” she added.

The high school senior said also keeping connected with friends has been helpful to understand 'none of us are alone and we can all be there to support each other.”

'I am so excited to see my friends. I miss spending time with the people I love and the idea of simply going to a movie or the mall together is enough to put me in a good mood and reminds me that this quarantine isn't going to last forever. I am also looking forward to going to college and am still hopeful that we will be starting our new adventures this fall,” Marek added.

Keegan Kohorst, another senior from MPHS, said he has 'mixed” feelings about the closures.

'I am looking forward to the future and relieved in some ways that the academic part is over. I miss my friends and classmates - seeing them everyday and spending time with them - social media doesn't fill that void very well. I'm not sure I've completely processed that I'm not going back to MPCHS,” he said.

Another high school athlete, Kohorst added he's feeling nervous about how the pandemic will affect his football season the coming fall, his first playing for St. Ambrose University. In particular, he's worried about being in top shape to play.

'Without daily access to the weight room, I don't get the kind of workout I am used to or need to have to play college sports. But, we are all kind of in the same situation regarding that,” he said.

The senior added he feels for peers who are already dealing with cancellations with spring sports and (potentially) summer sports.

'It's hard to see my classmates who have worked so hard be disappointed. I understand their sadness and am hopeful I am not similarly disappointed in the fall,” he said, 'I was really looking forward to seeing my friends excel in their Spring activities … There's a lot of people who are not going to get to let their talents show.”

Kohorst pointed to the school musical and Dessert Theater as other opportunities for his classmates that have now been canceled.

'I look forward to watching them do their thing performing. I think the community understands how much time we put into these events/activities, it's hard to see those commitments and events slip through our hands,” he added.

But like Newman and Marek, Kohorst is staying focused on what's ahead and trying to remain positive.

'I have found that keeping a schedule and staying physically active has been the best thing to keep me motivated and working toward my long term goals as a student-athlete. I try to focus on the things I can control. There is not a lot I can do about COVID 19 or the decisions being made about school, so I'm just trying to make the best of whatever comes at me,” he said.