High schoolers cope with loss of events

By John A. Ballentine

In what seems to be daily changes concerning the COVID-19 situation, any attempts of normalcy ebbs away. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has extended the “stay-at-home” directive to encompass all of April now. Besides daily life being readjusted, local Stark County High School students and teachers have been impacted, as well.

One of those is Stark County High School senior Rachael Adair, of Toulon, who has faced considerable disruption of her final year of high school.

“I’m really disappointed about the musical. We are trying to practice as best as possible,” Adair said. “If prom is cancelled, it’s going to be upsetting because I’ve already bought a dress and my classmates have too.”

Asked about finals tests, Rachael didn’t know what was going to happen with those, or if there were plans made concerning how grades would be determined.

“I really hope we have a graduation and we’ve worked really hard to have one,” Adair said, noting the school carnival was cancelled and the track season she participates in has been postponed.

But Adair understands the need and said, “I hope that the elderly stay safe and hope people stay inside so the virus doesn’t spread.”

Another Toulon senior, Christopher Roark, had thoughts about what the “stay-at-home” order has had on his senior year in high school. “We all have the mindset that we’re going to have a musical happen. Even if it’s in the summertime.”

Roark was uncertain about how finals would occur. “I have no clue. It will be difficult for dual-credit classes – I’m not sure how we’re going to get them done. I’m assuming that seniors will be exempt from final tests if their grades are high enough.”

Graduation is a question mark, presently. “I hope we can walk,” Roark said. “The school district emailed the seniors and requested photos and activities we’ve participated in.”

School District Superintendent Dr. Nick Sutton said, “At this point, we really do not know how this closure could affect big events such as prom or graduation. However, we will work with our staff and community to ensure that we do our best to recognize our outstanding students in the best way possible when these dates get closer.”

Teachers have also been impacted. Angie Roark, music instructor, said, “I’m actually working pretty hard. We’re doing a lot of remote learning and doing as much of the curriculum, as possible. I’m looking for ways to keep students participating. I’ve made recordings and videos for them.”

As far as the musical is concerned, “We’re waiting to see what happens. May is getting pretty slim now that we won’t be in school until at least the end of April. It’s not going to be ideal – we’ve spent a lot of time, effort and money to have a musical,” she said.

The school yearbook will be completed, but in a unique way. Students have been asked to send in photos. Also, the yearbook staff wants to document the affect that the COVID-19 has had on the school year.