EF plans light up night to honor seniors

By jose negron

jnegron@yourmvi.com

The Elizabeth Forward School District will honor its Class of 2020 with Warrior Light Up Night at 9 p.m. April 27.

District officials are asking members of the community to show their support in a few simple, yet powerful ways, states a letter that was posted online and emailed to parents Monday.

Residents are encouraged to find something that identifies them as a proud Warrior and display it in the front of their homes. 

Items could include a jersey, flag, homemade poster or colorful balloons. 

At 9 p.m., officials are asking community members to light up their porches and front yards as a sign of love and support for the senior class. 

Photos of displays are encouraged to be taken and posted on social media. Tag @EFWarriors on Twitter and use the hashtag #EFPride. 

“The community coming together and doing something like this really does mean a lot for not only me, but the entire senior class,” said senior Ethan Cain. “It shows us that during these extremely difficult times while people are losing jobs, long-awaited plans and sadly even loved ones, our school and community have not forgotten about us.

“For EF and the entire community to come together for us, during a time in which we are barred from seeing each other, shows how unified and supportive we really are, which means a lot for all of us seniors.”

Classmate Jordan Pinneri said when she and her classmates saw the posts on social media regarding light up night, it sparked some joy and fulfillment in the senior class. 

“Even though our year is over, it’s nice they still want to keep the school spirit alive as much as we do,” Pinneri said. 

High school principal Michael Routh said the idea was inspired by numerous conversations with the district’s administrative team. 

“We were just crushed by the news that schools would be closed through the end of the academic year and felt like we had to do something as a show of support for our senior class,” Routh said. “All our students are affected by the COVID-19 school closure, but our seniors are most impacted because they are losing many of the traditional end-of-year rituals that will be locked in their memories forever.” 

Routh said that while efforts are being made to potentially reschedule events into the summer months, administrators realize celebrating the accomplishments of the senior class is challenging considering social distancing measures are keeping students from physically being in school. 

“So we started brainstorming other ways to honor our seniors for their achievements and the legacy they leave at Elizabeth Forward,” Routh said. “The Warrior Light Up Night for the Class of 2020 is symbolic of the appreciation we have for them and will bring some school spirit and unity in our community.”