Major events on hold for the Class of 2020

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

 A 12-year journey has taken an unexpected turn for graduating seniors throughout the Mon Valley.

With schools shut down through at least April 6, they are facing a disappointing reality brought on by the coronavirus.

Will they be able to wear their dream dress to prom? Will they be able to play the sport they love with their team? Will they take the stage for one final bow in their spring musical? Will they walk across the stage to collect a diploma they have been working toward for the past 12 years?

There are no answers right now, leaving seniors to face the next chapter of their lives in the dark.

While students understand the need for such measures, this isn’t how they pictured their final year of high school coming to an end.

“I understand considering the pandemic, everyone is in a panic,” said Ringgold senior Sydney Kulsic. “I know it is safer to shut things down, but I am a little frustrated, mostly because I am not sure if the state will excuse the days we are missing.

“I want to graduate on time and I don’t want to graduate online. I want to walk and have the diploma I have worked so hard for. To think that might not happen is really disappointing.”

The closure, she added, is causing her constant worry.

“Am I going to graduate? Are the events we had planned still going on? Will school be canceled completely?” she asked. “No one knows. It is a constant worry.”

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