A LOOK INSIDE
• Kenzie Sandridge is crowned Homecoming Queen, Page 2 • On with the show: Drama students go virtual this year with livestreamed play, Page 3 • Surgical masks may be the best face coverings, Page 6
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Center Hill High School, 13250 Kirk Road, Olive Branch MS 38654
October-November 2020 | Volume 4, Issue 2
National Blue Ribbon School
CHHS celebrates coveted award in socially distant ceremony A
By Shelby Parsons Editor
fter earning National Blue Ribbon status in September, the coveted award was made official at a schoolwide celebration Nov. 2. Following COVID-19 guidelines with masks and social distancing, the ceremony was held in the parking lot in front of the
school. “Center Hill High School is only one of 367 Blue Ribbon Schools in the entire country,” Mississippi Superintendent of Education Carey Wright said. “There are roughly 130,000 schools inside the United States. This means that Center Hill High School is among the top .3% of all schools in the country.” According Carey Wright to a U.S. Department of Education press release, 420 schools may apply
or be nominated each year for the national title, which is awarded to schools for their excellent academic performance or progress in closing significant gaps among disadvantaged groups. At the beginning of the ceremony, the Select Women’s Choir sang the National Anthem and the band performed. On a day that began with
temperatures in the mid-30s, Principal Doug Payne commented on the sunny and mild weather. “It turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day,” he said. “We’re here today to recognize our school’s accomplishments. This doesn’t happen without the support of our community.” That support includes Center Hill students and staff, Payne said, as well as state and local officials. In his remarks, DeSoto County Superintendent of Education Cory Uselton referred to the school’s hashtag and motto, “Respect the Hill.” “Center Hill High School
Photo by Jose Esquivel Sophomore Kaylee Novosad gets some Blue Bell ice cream from coach Sean Barker at the National Blue Ribbon celebration. More event photos are online at chhsponyexpress.com.
has received respect, not only statewide, but nationally,” Uselton said. As the ceremony closed, Payne
directed two students to unveil the new National Blue Ribbon banner at the school’s front entrance. “It is a tremendous honor,” he said. “It’s a symbol of excellence that we will receive with great pride and will display with great pride.”
How it happened Only four schools in Mississippi received Blue Ribbon recognition this year. CHHS was named an Exemplary High Performing School and was
The 2020 National Blue Ribbon Awards Ceremony was changed to a virtual event because of the pandemic. “It’s disappointing to not be able to go to Washington, D.C., to accept
nominated by the state, Payne said. CHHS now joins Center Hill Middle and Center Hill Elementary as the only schools in the district with this recognition. “I’m just honored to work with such amazing people,” said Angel Pilcher, a teacher who served on the school’s 13-member Blue Ribbon committee. “Getting this award just reiterated a fact that we already knew, that our school is awesome.”
that award in person, but I’m still so excited that our school has been given this honor,” said Pilcher, who as Teacher of the Year was supposed to attend the awards ceremony. Pilcher added that expectations are now even higher for CHHS. “This accomplishment has set the bar high for our school,” she said. “I imagine every student, teacher and administrator is going to want to keep that standard.”
Photo by Landis Henderson Principal Doug Payne looks on as seniors Zandon Haralson, left, and Candice Buford unveil the National Blue Ribbon banner at the school’s front entrance. “It is a tremendous honor,” Payne said. “It’s a symbol of excellence that we will receive with great pride and will display with great pride.”
chhsponyexpress.com
COVID cancels game but not school spirit A
have been canceled due to Covid Guidelines.” The change was frustrating but understandable, Homecoming Court sophomore representative Rebekah Wallace said. “Honestly, I’m super upset about it because it’s my favorite part of the school year,” she said. “I got the opportunity to be on the court so it was a bummer, but I understand they have to keep everyone safe and healthy.” The school moved the festivities to halftime of the boys game against Covington, which the Mustangs won 60-53. Staff Writer Ella McAlister contributed to this story.
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month after COVID-19 canceled the Homecoming football game, members of the Homecoming Court were presented Nov. 20 at halftime of the boys basketball game. Kenzie Sandridge was crowned Homecoming Queen. Because of the pandemic, the school had already decided not to hold its traditional Homecoming parade and pep rally. The football game against Saltillo was supposed to be Oct. 23. That afternoon, CHHS tweeted, “Mustang family – we regret to inform you that tonight’s football game and homecoming festivities
Homecoming graphic and dress-up day photos by Brandon Mayse
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Homecoming Court presentation photos by Allen Sloan
Opinion
The Pony Express
Odds may be in president-elect’s favor as Biden focuses on ending pandemic A
s almost every American citizen knows, Joe Biden is the projected winner of the 2020 election. Things are going to be different. In a good way? In a bad way? Just what is Biden planning to do now that Trump is slated for the chopping block? Right now, it appears Biden is focused on taking care of the big problems before he can pick off the smaller ones. Biden’s main focus is putting an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he won’t be ignoring it and hoping it will go away, like Trump and the GOP have since the pandemic began in 2019. Biden’s approach is already the polar opposite of his predecessor’s. He’s been asking people to wear their masks, practice social distancing, and practice good hygiene. Biden’s campaign slogan ,“a
return to normal,” may just be a guaranteed campaign promise, what with new developments in vaccines for COVID-19. By Zackery Blaisdell The odds so far Staff Writer are stacked in the presidentelect’s favor. Now, Mississippi is a red state. Consequently, Trump won by 59.7% here. DeSoto County itself was red as well, meaning that many of the people living in Northern Mississippi, including the Olive Branch area, are probably worried about Biden’s imminent entry into the Oval Office.
I just want to say that Biden may not be as bad as some think he’ll be. Nobody likes being cooped up at home for months at a time, fearing for the safety of our loved ones. The problem is, we could have been much better off than we are now if the previous president-elect actually had a plan other than lying about the severity of the virus to avoid a panic. Biden has a plan, and that plan involves actually wearing your mask and social distancing. It’s not just about us. It’s about the lives we want to help save and the lives we want to return to once this is all over. With Biden, we will return to our normal lives sooner, without denying the existence of COVID-19. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is up to all of us to decide for ourselves.
On with the show
Photo by Zackery Blaisdell Drama teacher Emily Haven uses Final Cut Pro X to edit Piercen French’s scene from “Cheaters,” which her students will present in three livestreamed performances Dec. 4-6. Tickets for each virtual performance are $8.05.
School play will be virtual this year By Jonathan Rosas Staff Writer
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rom sitting in a theater and looking at actors playing their roles to now watching a play in the comfort of your home throughout a livestream, welcome to drama in the age of COVID. Actors will be performing in “Cheaters,” their first-ever virtual event, Dec. 4-6. “This play is going to be different because it is entirely online,” drama teacher Emily Haven said. “We recorded the entire thing either in class or at home (for VIP students) and edited in a digital background. It will be livestreamed online so everyone has access and no one has to come to the school to watch it.” Jose Esquivel, who last year appeared on stage in “The Great Gatsby,” plays the role of an all-star
athlete in a fictional school who gets accused of cheating on a test. The characters spend the rest of the 35-minute drama trying to figure out who really cheated, because if the cheater doesn’t confess, everyone in the class will fail. “It’s definitely been a challenge, but the experience has been great,” said Esquivel, a senior. “It’s not as nerve wracking as an in-person play due to the actors being able to have more room for mistakes due to it being recorded, unlike having to get it all right the first try.” But virtual drama is not without drawbacks. “Face-to-face students have to wear face coverings when recording,” McKayla Beckmann said. “VIP kids have to wear masks as well. It’s difficult because we can’t see facial expressions.” Beckmann, cast in the role of
HOW TO WATCH
To watch “Cheaters,” go to www.showtix4u.com/eventdetails/43046. You can pick one of three nights: Dec. 4, 5 or 6, and the play will air at 6 p.m. CST each date. Once you buy your ticket, you will receive an access code and a link to watch the livestream. Each code will only work for one device at a time.
Tonya, is acting in her first play but has participated behind the scenes with productions of “Suite Surrender” and “The Great Gatsby.” “I’ve been backstage for two plays and finally got a role my last year,” the senior said, adding that “Cheaters,” written by Don Zolidis, has a surprise twist at the end that viewers will enjoy.
The Pony Express is a student-run newspaper produced by and for the students of Center Hill High School in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Operated as a club, The Pony Express is supplemented by members of the Foundations of Journalism class and the staffs of Mustang Tv and the CHHS Yearbook. The online news site is chhsponyexpress.com. Editor Shelby Parsons Contributing Staff for Issue 2 Zackery Blaisdell, Billie Boyd, Candice Buford, Lily Dawson, Jose Esquivel, Landis Henderson, Brandon Mayse, Ella McAlister, Jonathan Rosas, Allen Sloan Advisers Ginny Shikle and Michelle Jones The mission of The Pony Express is to provide quality, thought-provoking student work focused on the events and issues that affect the CHHS community. As student writers, we try to reflect the thoughts of our most important readers – the students of CHHS. Because of this, we attempt to approach many issues, some more controversial than others. The newspaper staff hopes to inform, to educate, to entertain and to question for the betterment of CHHS, its students and faculty. Editorial Policy The editorial section of The Pony Express, including editorial cartoons, serves as a forum for well-written, thoughtful, longer forms of expression. Signed editorials represent the opinions of the author. Unsigned editorials reflect the consensus of The Pony Express staff. Views printed herein are meant to be opinionated and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the CHHS student body, faculty, administration or DeSoto County Schools. Letters to the Editor Policy Readers are encouraged to voice their opinions in the Opinion section for the expression of varying viewpoints on relevant topics. The Pony Express will print as many letters as space allows. Letters must include the author’s name, signature, and class or position relative to the letter. Typed or legible, hand-written letters are acceptable, but should not exceed 200 words. The Pony Express will edit all letters for accuracy, spelling and grammar. We reserve the right to refuse to print any letter. Submit questions, comments or letters to the editor to ponyexpresschhs@ gmail.com or 13250 Kirk Road, Olive Branch, MS 38654. Advertising Policy The Pony Express will not accept any advertising that deems to be: factually inaccurate; designed to mislead, deceive or defraud; containing malicious, vindictive or unsubstantiated attacks; offering goods and/or services illegal for teenagers to possess, buy or use; libelous; obscene; creating imminent danger or disruption to school. The Pony Express reserves the right to refuse any advertising, solicited or unsolicited. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views or endorsements of The Pony Express staff, student body, faculty, administration or school board. To advertise, contact Ginny Shikle at ginny.shikle@dcsms.org. Member Organizations The Pony Express is a member of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association. Our publication was named Most Improved High School Newspaper by MSPA for 2017-2018, and in 2018-2019 The Pony Express was a finalist for Mississippi’s High School Newspaper of the Year.
The Pony Express 3
Sports Roundup
College Signing
Photo by Lily Dawson The volleyball team, pictured at a practice in October, made it to the second round of the state playoffs this season. According to maxpreps.com, the Lady Mustangs were 6-0 in the district and had an overall record of 17-8.
From Staff Reports The Pony Express Football players selected for All Region 1-5A Multiple players for the Mustangs football team were selected in November to the All Region 1-5A team. Darryen Hobbs was named CO Overall MVP. 1st Team All Region: Preston Newson, Jaden Payne, Daveion Greenlee, Tucker Henley. 2nd Team All Region: Daryl Combs, Mark Holmes, Calvin Dockery, Denver Kiner. Honorable Mention: Dylan Gavrock, Caulen Dunn, Xzavier Paylor, Jason Painter, Bradley Rogers. Volleyball players named to special teams On Nov. 5, Olivia Hines was named to the Mississippi Association of Coaches All-Star Volleyball North Team. On Nov. 6, four members of the Lady Mustangs volleyball team were named to the All Regional Teams. Hines, Brinley Steed and Chloe Steen were named to the 1st Team, and Tyreahnna Tillman was named to the 2nd Team.
for state in the 200 IM and Brawley qualified for state in the 100 Free. On Oct 1, Brawley qualified to North Half in the 50 Free and 100 Free, Micah Logan qualified in the 100 Breaststroke and 50 Free, Hoffman qualified in the 100 Free and 100 Breaststroke, and Hendrix qualified in the 50 Free! On Sept. 17, Brawley qualified to North Half in the 50 Free and 100 Fly, Logan qualified in the 100 Breaststroke and 50 Free, Hoffman qualified to North Half in the 50 Free and 200 IM, and Hendrix qualified in the 100 Breaststroke.
Photo by Allen Sloan Brinley Steed, a setter for the Lady Mustangs, signed Nov. 17 to play volleyball at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Steed announced that she had committed to Northwest in September. “Thank you to everyone who has supported and pushed me to get where I am!” she tweeted. “Proud to be a ranger!”
Giving Back
Home basketball games now being livestreamed Basketball games at The Hill are now being livestreamed. Mustangs and Lady Mustangs’ fans who can’t make it to the games can view them from Mustang Tv’s YouTube channel.
Freshman helps Mustangs in OT win against Pontotoc Freshman Jonathan Mitchell, a 5-foot-9-inch point guard, made the winning basket Nov. 10 to help Center Hill defeat Pontotoc 70-69 in overtime. Also during the game, Three swimmers record Kaeden Laws had 26 points, 15 personal bests at state rebounds and 5 assists for the Nathan Brawley, Abby Mustangs. Hoffman and Kiley Hendrix Zandon Haralson scored 19 recorded their personal best points and had 3 steals, Calvin times in their respective races Dockery had 11 points, 12 at the Class I State Swim rebounds and 6 assists, and Championships Oct. 23 at the Tanner Burcham made 8 points, Tupelo Aquatic Center. On Oct. 16, Hoffman qualified 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Photo by Landis Henderson Along with some of her teammates on the Lady Mustangs basketball team, Dominique Collins selects an item from the shelf to pack for the Mighty Mustang Meals program on Oct. 1. Coach Emily Owens said she encouraged her players to volunteer and they jumped at the chance to give back. “I believe that it is important for all of us to realize there are always things we can do to help lift others up, and that there are many people around us that need a little help once in a while,” Owens said. Begun as a senior class project in 2017, Mighty Mustang Meals is a community-based program that helps feed underprivileged children at Overpark Elementary and Center Hill Elementary. Every Thursday, CHHS students gather to pack each participant in the program enough food to last them the weekend. The bags are sent home with the children on Friday afternoon and contain non-perishables such as Ramen noodles, canned soups, and other things that children can easily microwave themselves.
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College Signings
‘Silent assassin’ Kaeden Laws to play D1 ball at UAPB
File Photo/The Pony Express Kaeden Laws (24) practices press breakers last season with Calvin Dockery (20). Laws, a 6-foot-5-inch small forward/shooting guard for the Mustangs, is known as the “silent assassin” on the court.
From Staff Reports The Pony Express
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aeden Laws, a 6-foot-5-inch small forward/shooting guard for the Mustangs, signed Nov. 18 to play D1 basketball for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. “I just call him the silent assassin,” head boys basketball coach Newton Mealer said about Laws. “He lets his playing do the action.” So far in his high school career, Laws has 1,225 points, 726 rebounds, 162 assists, 163 steals, over 200 blocks, and more than 30
Photo by Allen Sloan With his sister and parents looking on, Kaeden Laws signs a letter of intent to play basketball for the HBCU University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Laws said playing college basketball is important to him, but he has a more personal reason for choosing an HBCU. “With everything that’s going on in the world today, I want to be a part of the change I want to see in the world.”
double doubles. “It’s been a long four years,” Laws said. “When the pandemic hit I didn’t know if I was going to make chance.” it to this point.” The pandemic Laws said he also had an impact was also recruited on Laws’ signing, JUST THE STATS by Belmont, where he and Height: 6 feet, 5 inches Alcorn and Points: 1,225 points guests wore masks Grambling, but Rebounds: 726 and practiced because of the Assists: 162 social distancing pandemic, “I Steals: 163 in accordance didn’t know where Blocks: 200+ with COVID-19 my recruiting Double doubles: 30+ guidelines. was going to Speakers at go. Luckily, the event, held in the CHHS gym, the coaches at UAPB gave me a
included Assistant Principal Brenda Case and Laws’ parents. “We’re just so proud of you on so many levels,” Case told Laws, who she said has a 4.0 GPA and is “the epitome of a true scholar athlete.” In an emotional speech, Kolumn Laws told his son, “I could never be disappointed in you.” Jessica Laws said of her son: “We saw the potential in him to play at the next level. He works really hard and we’re really proud of him.”
Kaeden Laws said playing college basketball is important to him, but he has a more personal reason for choosing to attend a historically black college or university like UAPB. “With everything that’s going on in the world today, I want to be a part of the change I want to see in the world,” he said.
Staff Writer Billie Boyd contributed to this story.
SG Hope Mealer signs with Mineral Area College in Missouri H
By Candice Buford Staff Writer
ope Mealer, a shooting guard for the Lady Mustangs who specializes in 3-pointers, will play for the Lady Cards at Mineral Area College in Missouri next year. Mealer, who had multiple offers, signed a letter of intent to play at the two-year school Nov. 24. “I visited two, but five of them offered me,” Mealer said about her recruiting process, which included Pratt Community College in Kansas and Christian Brothers University in Memphis. She said she chose MAC “because it has everything I want.” Lady Mustangs head coach Emily Owens said part of her job is preparing people for a fulfilled life after high school, and she’s glad to see Mealer make that happen. “I feel like signing to play in college is the next step that she wants, and so it makes me happy to see her achieve that goal,” she said. Owens also said that Mealer’s shooting and stats – including 85 3-pointers and an average of 12.2 points per game – speak for themselves. “Hope is an excellent 3-point
Photo by Allen Sloan Hope Mealer, pictured with her family, and Mineral Area College women’s basketball coach Briley Palmer, signed a letter of intent Nov. 24 to play next year for MAC. A shooting guard for the Mustangs, Mealer said she chose the Missouri school “because it has everything I want.”
shooter,” Owens said. “That’s obvious to anyone that walks into the gym. She’s really worked hard to get better on defense and I feel like this season she’s really stepped up trying to find other ways to score so that it doesn’t
just allow defense to take her out of her 3-point shot. She’s looking to drive a little bit more mid-range than she’s had in the past, which I think has helped her as a player as well as our team as a whole.” MAC women’s basketball coach
Briley Palmer, who attended the signing in the CHHS gym, said she’s looking forward to having Mealer join the Lady Cards. “Spoken from a shooter myself, I like Hope’s range and how comfortable she is,” Palmer said.
“You can tell that she’s put a lot of time in getting repetition. Basketball IQ is something we look for, and I’m excited to teach her our style of play with defense, but other than that I’m just excited to have a hard working kid that also has good character.” Mealer is the daughter of Mustangs head boys basketball coach Newton Mealer, who introduced her to the game when she was a little girl. “Today I’m a proud dad,” he said. “That means a lot to me, that she’s been able to accomplish her dreams and her goals.” Mealer said MAC is a solid team with a great coach and great program for his daughter, who was selected to the first team for District 1-5A and is on the list of Top Seniors to Watch in Mississippi. “I think she made the right choice for her from Center Hill,” he said. Hope Mealer, who will continue to wear the No. 24 jersey at MAC, said she appreciates the support of her family, coaches and teammates. “Thank y’all for pushing me,” she said. The Pony Express 5
Graphic by Brandon Mayse
With so many options, which face covering is best? I
By Ella McAlister Staff Writer
t’s crazy to look back one year ago from now, reminiscing about the times when we never had to worry about social distancing, to remember to wear a face mask, or to keep hand sanitizer with us at all times. Not only do we have to worry about this these days, but we have to decide between the many options for face coverings and how we choose to protect ourselves. How are we supposed to know which ones to use? As we already know, there is a large variety of face masks; we have standard surgical masks, cloth masks, masks with valves, and so many more. Surgical masks “filter out large particles in the air and can make sure droplets from the wearer Lawrence Jones
the person remains coughing and used once and cannot be washed. can provide the same amount of talking to you for 30 minutes, the However, they give off the same protection. face shield blocks 68% of the small effect as both a cloth mask The CDC recommends that air particle.” and an N95 respirator (a other masks besides these could In other words, face shields mask with a valve). be generally used, since these aren’t entirely effective when Cloth masks are able types aren’t necessarily needed it comes to blocking airborne to do the same things for people other than healthcare particles. Face masks seem to be as a surgical mask, but workers. These masks may the safest option; they fully cover they can be washed not provide complete our noses and mouths, whereas face and reused. protection, but they are shields leave more open space. The CDC more effective than When considering the recommends bandannas or neck Lorie Buckley information on the wide cloth masks to have gaiters. Studies show that variety of face coverings, at least two layers of respiratory particles from the most effective ones fabric, as the more layers make the a cough could still travel up to 3 seem to be surgical masks. mask more effective. feet while wearing those. These masks Although cloth masks do provide Many people have aren’t being spread,” have proved to protection, surgical masks prove to chosen to wear face according to Lisa provide the be three times more effective, as shields. Maragakis, author of most protection Omar Almuntaser mentioned in the article, “Which In the article, “Coronavirus Face from respiration Masks Are Most Effective “Face masks Masks and Protection particles, and and Why?” by Katie versus face FAQs.” they are shown to be up to three Woehnker. shields - which one is These masks N95 respirators are better?” by Heather Jackson, times more effective than any other are used by mask as long as you abide by the able to filter at least she writes that, “If someone many healthcare 95% of airborne coughs 18 inches from you one-time use rule. workers Therefore, surgical masks may be particles, while you are wearing Jamya Hassell and are the way to go to prevent the spread Woehnker a face shield, recommended of COVID-19. writes, yet the immediate for everyone. studies prove exposure is Photos by Lily Dawson Nicholas Minott They are meant to only be that surgical masks reduced by 96%... If
Editor’s note: The Centers for Disease Control, which now says masks protect both the wearers and those around them from COVID-19, also recommends staying “at least 6 feet from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.” With guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health, DeSoto County Schools’ policy states that “the exposure time to be considered a close contact to a case of Covid-19 is updated to less than 6 ft. for 15 minutes cumulative throughout the day.”
Stay safe, Center Hill
Sophomore shares COVID-19 story By Lily Dawson Staff Writer
I
remember the night in March when I was told the news. I had overheard my parents talking about my dad getting tested for COVID-19 that morning. I was up on a call with my boyfriend around 10:30 p.m. when my mom called for me and my sister and calmly told us the news. The doctors called; my dad’s test was positive. Dad had to stay home for two weeks, isolated in my parents’ bedroom, from the first day he showed symptoms. The rest of the family couldn’t leave the house until two weeks after Dad was diagnosed. If we started showing symptoms, we would follow the same procedures as him. My mom had to sleep with my sister in her room. I was to stay in my room as much as possible. We were to wash our hands every 30 minutes for 30 seconds. I was terrified. I had heard about coronavirus on the news, and I was scared I might become another statistic. The worst part was a few minutes after we heard the news. My dad was in the kitchen. I wanted to say
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something, but I didn’t know what I could say to make things better. I went, “Dad?” He stopped and looked up at me. “I love you,” I said. I could see he was scared. “I love you too honey,” he said, looking and sounding defeated. “I’m sorry, y’all. I really am.” His voice cracked as he tried not to cry. I could tell by his voice, he felt as if he had failed us, like he brought this danger into his family. He couldn’t protect us. I can’t put into words how hard that hit me. My family didn’t talk about the virus much when it was in our house. But we all knew how everyone else felt: scared. I tried to stay positive. I remembered that my parents’ room had a window. I walked outside, knocked on their window and said, “You up?” I heard a chuckle come from inside and my dad opened the blinds and smiled. I sat there and talked to him. It was one of the only ways I could see him and talk to him. I tried to do this once a day while he was isolated. (This was nicknamed the drive-thru window.) About three days after Dad’s diagnosis, my sister, Sarah, started showing symptoms. After a week my mom started showing the same
symptoms. After almost two weeks, I showed symptoms. My sister and I didn’t even get tested – the test is very uncomfortable – but we knew we had it. Our symptoms included fatigue, headaches, slight nausea, and shortness of breath. Soon after I was cleared, the simple color guard routines I used to be able to breeze through were suddenly difficult for me. I’m still recovering, and my sense of smell is still messed up as of today. Due to my smell being wrong, food tastes wrong. I can taste how the food actually tastes, along with the taste of smells like a mixture of vinegar (almost pickley), peaches, and something stale or spoiled. Things like peanut butter, bread and sodas all have this gross smell, and so do shampoo and deodorant. I’ve been dealing with it for months. I’ve grown to tolerate the smell, but it’s getting better. Back in the spring, I made jokes about my case in a segment for MTv and laughed about the coronavirus with my friends. Although I believe a strong way of healing is laughter, this is a serious issue. Many people aren’t lucky enough to have such a mild case like my family did. I am only one of more than 40
Snapchat photo used with permission of the Dawson family When Lily Dawson’s father was isolated in the spring with COVID-19, she visited him through the so-called “drive-thru” window of her parents’ bedroom. Lily, her sister, and their mother all eventually contracted COVID-19.
million people who got COVID-19 worldwide. No one should have to go through the fear of having COVID-19. To slow the spread of the disease, which has killed more than a million people, wear a
mask, wash your hands, and social distance by staying 6 feet apart when possible. Do this not only for yourself, but for your comrades in this battle against COVID-19. Stay safe, Center Hill.