Class of 2021 rises to many challenges, successes

Graduation is always a special time of year, and this year is no different in that regard for the class of 2021. Though the senior class may have missed out on many of the normal senior traditions and perks, this year will always be remembered by this senior class. The seniors have not only affected each other for the rest of their lives but also the staff here at West.

Graduation for the West Florence class of 2021 will be taking place on June 11th at 10:00 am at the Florence Center. Each senior will be able to take up to 10 people to the ceremony.

The class of 2021 has made an impact of the faculty and staff here at WF. Mrs. Katrina Hilton, math teacher, had some advice on life after graduation.

“Go out and find success in what you want to do; it may take time to figure it out but make sure it’s what you want to do,” said Hilton.

This graduating class will not only be remembered by the teachers here at West but also by the administration. One person that will always remember this class is someone every senior knows, Principal Matt Dowdell.

“This is the first class I have had for all four years so this will always be a special class to me,” he said.

As principal, Dowdell has a unique perspective and he said he has noted a big change in the 2021 class over the years.

“The big thing is maturity. As a freshman you are trying to find your place in the school, you are trying to find that friend group, sport, or club. As an upperclassman or a senior, you tend to have grown more as a person and matured,” Dowdell said.

This Covid year has been difficult for many students, however Dowdell is very proud of this class.

“I’d say 95% percent of this senior class has handled this year amazingly. They adapted wonderfully to the changes with learning this year,” he said.

Dowdell also had some parting advice for the graduating class as well.

“Know that life will challenge you no matter what career or educational path you take in life and just try to adapt to the best of your abilities,” he said.

With the school year coming to an end, how are seniors feeling about this truly unique year?

“Honestly, I am nervous but also pretty excited”, said Lilly Williams, senior class president. “It is still a little hard to believe that I’ll be graduating from high school.”

After hearing from other students, most seniors can agree with her. It’s a weird feeling ending this chapter of life,but no one can say they're not looking forward to what comes next.

“I feel like I’m about to do a flip,” said Greg Jones.

“I’m ready to move on with my life and see what’s ahead of me,” said Amanda Resendiz.

With graduation comes an array of emotions. Excited for what’s to come, fear of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, nostalgia of the friends made and teachers who have been there every step of the way.

“I don’t even know how to feel...seems like time is going by faster than I have time to process it,” said Grace Mahoney.

“It's very bittersweet... but I’m also happy that this part of my life is over. I've had some great memories at West . There are definitely gonna be some tears shed,” said Symaria Blanks.

“It’s all a gamble,” said Andrew Benjamin.

Thinking back on the year, many seniors are very grateful to finally be at the finish line.

“I feel like a lot of stress has come to an end, and now it’s time to start something fresh and new,” said Kaniyah Williams, looking forward to life after high school.

“I'm really excited for all of us to graduate, especially after how hard the past year has been. We really deserve it,” said Rori Daniels.

While there have been many changes this year because of Covid-19, there has been a lot of growth for all the students at West. Growth may be good but it is very difficult, which leaves many students very thankful that this strange year is over.

“Ready to get it over with. This year was absolutely awful. I never want to experience high school again,” said Brooke Lockamy.

“I feel relieved that high school is done with and I can move on to my adult life,” said Seth Wingate.

What is most important as seniors wrap up their last year at West Florence is knowing that they have accomplished something great. They have gone through online school, to strange schedules, to going to school full time, all in the middle of a pandemic. With chaos around the world that nobody can control, seniors have made it to graduation with pride.

“It will be a big accomplishment...I'm more excited about leaving more than anything. There will be a few people I'll miss but a new start is what I'm looking forward to,” said Gracie Jordan.