The student body will not be returning to campus for the remainder of the academic school years. The class of 2020 shares the impact this has had on them.
by Joe Brennan '20
In the final days, before spring break as concerns about COVID-19 started to arise, George Hodgson ’20 went from class to class, asking teachers if they believed we would miss any school. He was curious if he should prepare for a few days off. To his relief, all teachers told him not to worry, none of them believing we would miss any school.
However, as the break progressed, things became more worrisome.
Headmaster Mason Lecky announced on March 12 that St. Christopher’s would transition to online classes until the 27th. Students were initially upset but could manage only two weeks away. Those feelings suddenly morphed from displeasure to devastation.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced on March 23 that all Virginia schools would close for the remainder of the school year, meaning no students would return to campus. Seniors’ high school experience had come to an end. “I’d say shock. … I kinda saw it coming, but it was disappointing,” said Chas Steinbrugge ’20.
Steinbrugge is not alone.
Seniors regularly used the word “shocked” when asked about their initial reaction. “This whole thing wouldn’t have been as bad if we knew the last time we went to class, had to go to practice, went to school at St. Chris,” said William Tune ’20.
However, now realizing that the high school experience is gone, many have been reflecting on what has happened and their memories. “I was disappointed just thinking about all the things that I’ve been so excited about for all of high school,” said Jude Reiferson ’20. “And just to lose those things at the snap of a finger, I was shocked.” The Senior Class will miss multiple events they have been looking forward to all year: Senior Prom, the Senior vs. Faculty basketball game, college decision day, senior skip day, etc.
If students knew then what lay ahead, some say they might have acted differently. “I regret leaving school so much, like during my free periods, I would “call in sick” or whatever,” said Jeffery Moore ’20. “I wish I would have maximized my time at St. Chris this year knowing I’m not gonna get the last two months.”
Overall, many have a feeling of gloom and frustration. However, William Tune ’20 has a different interpretation. “I don’t think we left anything on the table. … Everybody is proud of our accomplishments.”
This Senior Class has earned the reputation of one of the best classes at St. Christopher’s. They have been commended for their athletic success, school spirit and leadership.
While the class of 2020’s year has unfortunately ended early, their legacy will live on forever.