Amidst the chaos that is the start of the 2020-2021 school year, many students are experiencing this new reality in their own way. Freshmen are taking their first walks through the once crowded WHS hallways–except it’s not so crowded anymore. Sophomores are returning, with their second year at WHS looking extremely altered from the first. Juniors are taking classes separated by remote and independent learning days. And the seniors? We’re taking it as it comes.

As Class President Jane Pittorino says, “COVID-19 has put a damper on our Senior year.”

This year’s seniors are coming to terms with an extremely morphed last year of high school, a huge loss for the Class of 2021, as well as a college admissions process that is entirely unfamiliar. Seniors are facing the loss of the traditional senior celebrations that we’ve all imagined ourselves doing: running through the hallways, chanting, and being proud of how far we’ve come.

WHS senior James Fitzgibbons explains, “Since 9th grade we’ve watched the seniors participate in all these traditions.”

He follows up by expressing how sad it is to miss out on what he has looked forward to for so long.
Many seniors I talked to seemed to simply hope for the creation of a new tradition.

Senior Julia French says, “I am hoping more covid-safe options are explored so we can create some new traditions…”

As the senior class accepts what will be a school year so far from the norm, the class officers have been hard at work trying to make this year and senior festivities the best they can be under these circumstances.

As Class Secretary Izzie Binici says, “COVID-19 has created new difficulties for organizing fundraisers that would have run without error in the past.”

Difficulty with fundraisers affects Senior Ball and other activities that routinely have taken place in past years for the senior class.

Class Vice President Sarah Cox admits that these unprecedented times have impacted our year harshly, but thinks we can combat the negatives by being creative and making new memories.

Treasurer Ben Rosenfeld agrees, “I think it has given us a good opportunity to start something new and leave our mark on the school in a different way.”

The class officers feel it’s important to communicate with the class through all of this chaos.

Pittorino thanks the senior class for their patience and understanding, and dedicates herself to making sure they get the senior year we deserve.

She says, “I cannot believe we’ve practically made it… it’s hard to believe we only have one more year together. Be proud and excited for what’s ahead!”

Binici stresses how important it will be to keep a positive attitude and support each other “as cheesy as it sounds,” and acknowledges how different this year will be. “But is different so bad? We will all have quite the story to tell when we’re older.”

Rosenfeld shares an essential message: “Don’t lose hope! Even when it seems all hope is lost, know that you are never alone. We are all here for you and our class.”

This year presents a new set of obstacles WHS has yet to encounter. Despite all odds, planning is underway, and this year is looking promising, with all safety guidelines followed, of course.

On the morning of Friday, October 2, there will be a socially distanced parade for the seniors.

French believes “It’s a nice opportunity to wear our tie dye and get senior recognition, but it splits up the grade.”

The parade will start in the WHS upper parking lot and then will circle through Ruggles and Charles Streets. Be sure to look out for the Class of 2021 making the best of the parade in their traditional tie dye shirts.