“This is definitely something that will not only forever impact our senior class, if we don’t get to walk (in a graduation ceremony), but all senior classes across the nation,” said Ryley Mervine, Fannin County High School (FCHS) senior in regards to school closures.
The last school year for FCHS seniors ended abruptly and without answers to many of their questions.
Will they get to see their friends again? Will they be able to adjust to this new academic system? Will they finally get to walk across that field and throw their caps in the air?
Those are just a few questions that have haunted students since school was called out. Many of those questions are still waiting to be answered as the nation as a whole sits in uncertainty.
First, school was canceled for a few weeks, but a statement two weeks ago from Fannin County School System Superintendent Michael Gwatney rattled the bones of many seniors, signaling an official end to their high school career.
“We have lost the opportunity of our last semester to enjoy Chicken Nugget Tuesday, Gigi’s cookies, lunch with our friends, seeing each other in the halls before classes and being our teachers worst nightmare,” said Mervine. “Lastly, but most importantly, we have lost the two things we have all been waiting for for the past 12 years of being in school, walking the halls of our elementary schools wearing our cap and gown, being an inspiration to all the little kids who look up to us.”
Since the closure, Mervine has created a group chat exclusively for the senior class. There, they are able to express their whole feelings with life-long friends and acquaintances that can relate.
“The group chat has brought us to talking to people we wouldn’t normally talk to ... It has genuinely brought us closer as a class,” she said. “We all talk about a lot of things and share our opinions on how we feel about all of this.”
Senior Treylyn Owensby said of the situation, “I’ve looked forward to this year since I first started high school. I was looking forward to returning, and now I feel robbed. I’ll never get this year back.”
As for being able to spend some extra time at home, he said, “I miss my buddies, and I’ve had enough quality time with my family.”
Online schooling is not the ideal situation for these seniors either.
“I have had online school all semester,“ said senior Amber York. “I worked really hard to get to that point as a senior. Now that it’s a mandatory thing, it doesn’t feel like a reward even.”
Owensby said with a wink, “It sucks, but I manage.”
“I thought I had all spring to prepare for this, but I don’t,” senior Grant Sullivan said. “I pray we get graduation. Everyone has worked so hard for that. Bigger phases of life are coming sooner than I thought.”
In the fall, Sullivan plans to attend the University of Georgia where he will major in chemistry.
“A few weeks ago, I would’ve rolled out of bed, thrown on sweats, stopped to get coffee and shown up late to school,” senior Kaia Radabaugh said. “I never wanted to go to class, and I couldn’t wait to get out of this boring, old town. I took every single thing for granted.
“As the first round of government regulations were put into place, I laughed to myself. I thought we were starting a much needed break to a never ending semester. I expected everything to be waiting for us the second we got back.
“I had my prom dress hanging in my closet ready for my last big night out. I had my Dollywood (senior) trip form signed and waiting in my book bag, and I had finally stocked up on enough hand warmers to get me through the rest of the baseball season. I took everything for granted.”
Although it may seem these kids were stripped of “the best time of their lives,” many community members are working together to make-up, at least partially, what they’re missing out on.
Many business owners have agreed to place their photos up in store fronts and offer discounts, while others are working to get a senior class portrait placed on a billboard off Highway 515.
As for a graduation ceremony, the possibility is still up-in-the-air.
“You never know the last time is the last time,” York said.