9 minute read
Senior Survey: COVID challenges, takeaways
Congrats, Kenneth Gay,III
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Congratulations, son! What an amazing 17 years it Weaver Academy NC Central, Fall 2021, Jazz Studies COVID challenges and takeaways has been and how quickly they have passed! We’ve seen you grow over the years into a kind and talented compiled by ANNETTE JOYCE young man. We knew from the beginning that God and PATTI STOKES laid His hands on you and never let go. It is our sincere hope that you will stay connected to the source of your The Class of 2021 endured a strength, you will seize each day, and will always savor high school year unlike any other. For the journey. Never forget where you came from or those months, they had to deal with the ups who loved and helped you along the way. Work hard, stay humble, and your gift will make room for you. May God bless you with many years to come, filled and downs of virtual learning. Extracurricular activities were cancelled, postwith peace, joy, love, health, and success! poned or held with restrictions. Football, Love, Mom & Dad wrestling and other sports were played much later in the year and many sports seasons were cut short and played with a limited number of fans. A few months before the school year ended, students were given the option of returning to the classroom on a limited basis. Some chose to finish their classes online while others were excited to get back to in-person instruction, if only for a short time. We asked Northwest and Northern Guilford graduates to share some of their biggest challenges and takeaways from their senior year, and here’s what they had to say... “The most difficult part of my senior year was not having face-to-face interaction with teachers and fellow students. I missed the conversations, laughter, and being able to say
CELEBRATES goodbye to all the teachers, guidance counselor, and friends who supported me throughout high school. “(During the past year) I learned of THE the resilience of the NWHS community. As students, we adjusted to virtual learning, sports with face masks, and fundraising while being socially disCLASS OF 2021! tanced. Our teachers were supportive and persevered in spite of Microsoft Teams and internet connectivity issues, and the PTSO managed to still hold activities throughout the year to make the seniors feel special. “The biggest highlight (of this year) LIFE SAFETY was being able to play field hockey for NWHS. Being with my friends and playing games was the first time in a while that things felt normal.” Sydney Grigg, NWHS “The hardest part of this last year of school was not attending class in person, and not having anyone to hold me accountable for my work. The one thing I did learn was to hold myself accountable.” Lucie Zerfoss, Northern Guilford “The biggest struggle this last year was COVID-19, and contracting the virus. It really was a struggle, and I’ve had breathing problems ever since. It also threw me off mentally – but I’m getting better, and I’m graduating!” Jonah Yonaitis, Northern Guilford “The most difficult part of my senior year was trying to stay fully engaged in class. Basically, during class I was working my detailing business, The Polishing Crew. I would put in my AirPods, just listen, and then did my school work when I went home. “I learned from this past year not to rush to be an adult. Working all my years of high school, I realized that the people around you are only there for a limited time. “My biggest highlight of senior year was hanging with ‘my boys,’ who I’m proud to say are my best friends and will be my roommates at UNCCharlotte. We always have a good time and have done plenty of crazy things and I’m excited to continue the tradition.” Parker Hopkins, NWHS “Not going to school in person was definitely hard. Some people (like me) are more hands-on learners, and having to adjust and work on my own
schedule from home was different for me. I didn’t have the teachers there to push me and motivate me, so some days I wouldn’t be motivated – but, I pulled through in the end and it taught me how to have more selfmanagement and know I can do it if I tell myself I can.”
Jamarius Johnson, Northern Guilford
“The biggest challenge for me was learning to be by myself and without social activities. The biggest takeaway was learning how to be comfortable by myself – and develop better study habits!”
Alexis Ricketts, Northern Guilford
“I think the most difficult thing was the virtual Zoom classes. It was really hard to stay focused and pay attention. You’re at home and have so many distractions and there’s so much other stuff you can do.
“I learned the end of high school is a bittersweet time. I learned a lot about growing up and moving into the next chapter of my life.
“My biggest highlight was definitely when I got accepted into (UNC) Wilmington.
“My biggest disappointment for the year was not being able to feel like a senior – not being among the oldest (on campus). That’s something you look forward to and I didn’t get to have that experience.” Alexandra Ruch, NWHS
“The most difficult part was finding all of the different links and assignments to all kinds of websites, while managing to work two jobs and play football during the spring COVID-altered season.
“During this past year, I learned to pray for blessings and safety for my family and friends as well as good times through the hardships of my senior year.
“The biggest highlight was getting a lot closer to a lot of my friends even while we were away from school.” Cam Carter, NWHS
“Staying focused was definitely the hardest part of this past school year, especially after switching from an in-person environment where we were used to more hands-on learning to sitting at a computer in a remote learning environment. The thing I learned from it is, life isn’t about someone sitting there and cheering you on all the way – you’ve got to be able to do things yourself. There are hard times, but you have to find the willpower to get through them.”
Devon Richardson, Northern Guilford
“Honestly, the most difficult thing was being isolated from everyone in school, especially during my senior year.
“I think being online all year taught me how to keep a schedule and stay on track. I learned how to hold myself accountable a little better.
“It was a dull year, but I think the biggest highlight was just graduating. My biggest disappointment was not knowing at the end of my junior year, when we walked out of school on Friday the 13th (March 2020), that was the last time I’d ever see a lot of people from school.” Will Gilbert, NWHS
“The most difficult part of this year to me was probably paying attention in class. It was really difficult to stay focused when I was in my own home. I also missed the social interaction that came with being in class.
“I learned some better self-discipline this year – I had to have that to make sure I never slacked off.
“My biggest highlight was probably getting vaccinated and getting to graduate in person. That was impor... continued on p. 30
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021
We wish you great adventures, endless laughs, sweet discoveries and no flat tires
as you enter a new chapter in life.
And, THANK YOU to the parents, school staff and community for guiding these seniors through a challenging two years
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Katherine Brown
The Early College of Guilford Daughter of Sigrid and Michael Brown, Katherine will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill.
Ashley Cox
Northwest Guilford High Daughter of Tommy and Cotina Cox, Ashley will be attending Campbell University to study pharmacy.
Melina Erhartic
Caldwell Academy Daughter of Tom and Julie Odendaal, Melina is weighing several possible undergraduate opportunities.
Garrett Stefanick
Northern Guilford High Son of Frank and Linda Stefanick, Garrett has an apprenticeship with Brady HVAC through Guilford Apprentice Program and Guilford Tech.
Corey Strader
Bethany Community School Son of Tyler and Amanda Strader, Corey is attending Rockingham Community College on his way to a degree at UNC-Greensboro.
Brady Thomas
Northern Guilford High Son of Chad and Jill Thomas, Brady will be attending Appalachian State University to study finance.
Katie Keller
Northwest Guilford High Daughter of Adrian and Rachel Keller, Katie will be attending North Greenville University to study biology and play lacrosse.
Tyler Kibble
Northwest Guilford High Son of Matt and Michelle Kibble, Tyler will be attending North Carolina State University.
Caitlin Pritchett
Northwest Guilford High Daughter of Jeff and Amy Pritchett, Caitlin will be attending Rockingham Community College to study nursing.
Madeline Waterfield
Northwest Guilford High Daughter of Mark and Beth Waterfield, Madeline will be attending Duke University.
Lillian Wiener
Northwest Guilford High Daughter of Andrew and Sally Wiener, Lillian will be attending Appalachian State University.
