The Echo
Student Newspaper | November Issue
Hearing from class of 2021
Sydney Carroll While it seems like March was literally two weeks ago, it’s almost Christmas! And, while a lack of exams and normal holiday festivities may make it feel like this semester is far from over, we have three weeks until the first semester of the 2020-21 school year concludes. This means that sadly, our seniors are heading into the home stretch of their time at BGA. As such, I decided to catch up with some of this year’s seniors around the quad to find out what they feel like they’ve learned over their high school years and also to understand how the Class of 2021 feels about ending their high school career during a pandemic. “I wish I had realized that my teachers were always accessible and genuinely cared about me,” admitted Paige LaRock. “Over time, I realized how much more successful I am when I’m making close contact with my teachers.” Other seniors shared this sentiment, agreeing that they’ve learned over their high school years that reaching out to friends and teachers for help is one of the best ways to get ahead. Another way to get ahead? “Not procrastinating,” Kevin Dennis added. “It just wastes time in the end, and stresses you out.” Not only did seniors reflect on their academic strategies but also opportunities they wish they would have taken advantage of earlier in their high school years. “It’s ok to go to games by yourself,” explained Mob Leader Butch Samide. “School events are always fun, and people won’t think you’re weird if you go to them.” Kara Napier wanted to rep one of her favorite teachers, providing, “Ms. Handlesman’s class is not as scary as you think it is, I promise - it’s actually really fun.” Kevin Dennis wished that he had realized his true athletic potential. “I would’ve lifted more, carried more groceries - I didn’t know how big I could be, you know?” Beth Fleming also offered words of wisdom to freshmen, explaining, “When I was a freshman, I thought seniors were always making fun of me. Now that I’m a senior, I know that we don’t care what you do - so don’t be afraid of us!” These seniors have quite possibly learned
more in these last 9 months than the rest of their high school years combined, as the pandemic has immeasurably changed all of their lives - and especially their senior year. “It’s really tough,” Kevin admitted. “It’s changed everything. It’s just so different, and we’re missing out on a lot of things we’ve looked forward to.” Butch shared this sentiment, adding, “We didn’t get a Homecoming, we probably won’t have Prom, which stinks, but I’m just glad to see everyone.” Butch wasn’t alone in expressing his relief to be in school in-person; every single senior I interviewed expressed immense gratitude to not have to spend their senior year on Zoom. “Yeah, we might get a game cancelled here or there, but at least we got to have games,” Beth explained. “It could be much worse.” Paige agreed, sharing, “I’ll miss having a typical senior year, but BGA’s done a great job adapting and keeping us in school as long as possible.” For many of these seniors, the uncertainty of the second semester weighs on their minds. “I mean, will we have a musical, or other extracurriculars? It’s so hard to know right now, which makes it tough,” Kara lamented. Although the class of 2021’s last semester at BGA is ever uncertain - dependent on a vaccine, social distancing, and seemingly the will of the universe, the adaptability of our senior class may be one of their most admirable traits. While their senior year may be a little different than years past, and definitely not the one anyone envisioned, we can at least say for certain that the Class of 2021 has had a senior year that they won’t forget.
Soccer Championship Wrap-Up- pg. 2 2020 Football Season- pg. 4 Jeni’s Fall Flavors Review- pg. 5 Call of Duty Review- pg. 6 Sophie’s Movie Reviews- pg. 7 Fall Play & Interview with Ms. Wallace- pg. 8