Community support softens the blow by Kade Wagley

HONORABLE MENTION

COMMUNITY SUPPORT SOFTENS THE BLOW

Quarantine, face masks, pandemic, social distancing, shortages of toilet paper and disinfectant wipes, school closure and the cancellation of prom, graduation and spring sports are all things most people think they will remember about the Class of 2020.

Although this may be true, the real answer lies deeper beneath the surface and in the hearts of the community. When the heart stopping choice to close schools and end the Class of 2020’s senior year was made, not only were the students heartbroken, but the entire community felt the pain as if it were their own. Instead of standing by, the parents and community members rallied together to make every attempt to lessen the sadness the seniors were all feeling by trying to make their hearts a little fuller.

It started out small by the community turning on their porch lights at 8:20 p.m. (20:20 military time) for 20 minutes every Friday for the class of 2020. Many families decorated their front doors and submitted pictures to the Niles Daily Star that were printed in the daily paper. Small businesses began making T-shirts, mugs and yard signs for seniors to remember this time. Local photographers offered free sessions for seniors to have cap and gown photographs.

Friends and family members also chose to start the “Adopt” a Senior Facebook BY KADE WAGLEY NILES CLASS OF 2020

group, where hundreds of parents, relatives, business owners and community members begged to adopt (and spoil) their very own senior. Many of these adopted parents were struggling themselves without secure employment and income, but they didn’t hesitate to help a senior or two.

During the Shelter in Place, seniors were still expected to continue school work, and most did without question, but this time with even more dedication from the teachers who willingly worked extra hard to keep students focused on their goals. These educators made themselves available through social media and even personal phone calls just to be able to check on the well-being of their students academically but, more specifically, emotionally.

During this time, the Class of 2020 created an incredible bond regardless of past friendships, social groups, future plans or various walks of life. They have supported each other during this difficult time just like that which was modeled by our Niles residents and teachers. Because of these strong connections, I believe the Class of 2020 will be remembered by our teachers, classmates, families and community for being passionate about reaching their goals in a time that it would have been easy to give up.

In addition, the Class of 2020 grew up being involved in the community by volunteering, participating in sports and being dedicated to academics.

With that being said, the Class of 2020 will most definitely be remembered for having perseverance, dedication, but most importantly a lifelong connection to the small community of Niles. The Class of 2020 will not forget what the pandemic took from them, but they will also never forget how the community embraced them. Our small town came together and proved to us all that while things don’t always go as planned, that we are in fact “All in This Together.”

Twenty years from now it will be easy to recognize these graduates because they will be passionate about their desire to give back to the community that went above and beyond to take care of each and every member of the Class of 2020.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020