“You know how grandparents have told kids they had to walk to school in the snow both ways? This will be the story we tell our kids and grandkids,” South Barber senior Takira Blick said. She was, of course, referring to the Class of 2020 who had their senior year abruptly ended a few months early due to the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic.

At the end of Spring Break in mid-March, schools across the nation learned their facilities would close for the remainder of the year and their learning would be online with their teachers This order came from the federal and state governments in an effort to stop the virus from spreading. The term “social distancing” (people staying at least six feet from each other) became the norm. To seniors this means no prom, no banquets, no awards presentations, no senior tea, no spring sports, no activities as scheduled. For a while it appeared there would be no graduation ceremony. Monday South Barber Superintendent Dr. Mylo Miller announced plans for an outdoor graduation in downtown Kiowa. See details in a separate story.

Senior Gage Cantrell described the situation as “disappointing – heartbreaking.” He said, “It's been different not being able see my friends' faces at school.”

“It's sad we didn't have a prom. I went as a freshman and have always looked forward to my senior prom.”

An athlete, Cantrell sustained an injury during football that took him out for the entire basketball season. He usually went out for track but wasn't going to be able to anyway this spring due to his injury.

Reflecting on his entire senior year, “It was a good first half, though!” Cantrell said. “I wish it (the coronavirus nightmare) would all get over.”

Before the graduation announcement Monday, Cantrell said he is appreciative that administrators were searching for a way to have graduation. A virtual graduation was at first a possibility.

Students are continuing their education through “distance learning” as they connect with their teachers and do their assignments online. Cantrell said “it's going pretty good” and said they use “Google Hangouts” where they can interact with their teacher. Students spend about three hours per day with their online school work. The rest of Cantrell's time is spent helping his dad farm. Next fall he plans to major in agriculture/business at KSU.

Last Friday night the community hosted a “Be the Light” appreciation party for the 2020 grads at the Chieftains football field. The scoreboard was lit with 20:20 and the stadium lights beamed for 20 minutes and 20 seconds. People sat in their cars and honked their horns to show appreciation for the graduates. Principal Brent Shaffer introduced the graduates over the sound system. Cantrell expressed his appreciation to the community for their support and said, “It was an opportunity to see our Friday night lights one more time.”

From Skeptical to Dumbfounded

Senior Class Valedictorian Kutter Jewell admitted when he first heard of school closures due to COVID-19, “I thought it was a stretch.” When reality set in, Jewell said, “I was dumbfounded and didn't know what would come next.”

Of all the aspects of not being in school, Jewell said, “I miss being around all my friends the most.”

Referring to the “Be the Light” 2020 recognition at the football field, Jewell said, “That was amazing to see how our community is supporting us – to show they are interested and still here with us.”

For now administrators still say that prom is just postponed and they hope it's possible to still have something. “It just feels weird not having our prom. I'd be pretty upset if we have nothing,” Jewell said. He's “excited” administrators came up with a plan to have graduation.

Jewell planned to play tennis this spring and was looking forward to having his mom Danielle and “papa” Bob Drake as his coaches.

He said the online learning “is going pretty smooth.” Jewell likes that students can do homework at their own pace during the week. It's all due on Fridays.

Looking back, Jewell said, “The year started off great. We have to make the best of what happened. Overall, I've had a fun and successful senior year!”

'At First I Cried a Lot'

Senior Takira Blick said, “I miss seeing everyone and talking to my friends and teachers. We like to talk to people face to face and not just text.”

“At first I cried a lot,” Blick admitted. “That was my senior year and you remember all the great memories you have and were going to make. I was involved in so much – it's sad.” FFA President, Blick said, “We can't do our banquet. We can't do anything.” Vice-President of FCCLA and STUCCO, Blick said “everything is canceled.” She's disappointed the National Honor Society fundraiser won't happen. They planned a powder puff football game with the guys being cheerleaders.

“It just doesn't feel right having every night free,” Blick said.

“I feel sorry for all the spring athletes,” Blick said. “My friend Grace Cantrell, a sophomore, has had great track seasons. She was working to beat her own record and that of my sister Nicole in the 800-meter dash,” Blick said.

“My class loves adversity – we don't like sticking to the status quo,” Blick said. “Mr. Shaffer told us this would be the most fun few months of our high school years – prom, class trip, senior tea, awards, graduation. I am so excited we get to have graduation!”

Blick is thankful she hadn't spent money on her prom dress or her date hadn't yet rented his tux.

Referring to the “Be the Light” 2020 celebration, Blick said, “I loved it and then it made me sad – thinking of all the games and good times there. I love how the community supports us.”

Blick described her senior year as “like a roller coaster.” She recalled basketball homecoming that was supposed to be in January and due to weather it happened in February on a Thursday night. “It didn't feel like homecoming. It was just weird having parents night and homecoming the same night.”

Blick hopes the COVID-19 mess is over by fall when she plans to attend Ft. Hays State.

Pro: Working at Own Pace. Con: No Fun with Friends

Senior Adrienne Allison said, “It was and is pretty upsetting thinking about all of the memories we’re missing out on. Our class had a pretty close relationship, so it kind of feels like going on vacation away from your family. I miss the little things throughout the school day, especially seeing my friends.”

When asked about attending online school from their homes, the class salutatorian said, “It isn’t too hard to handle if you manage your time effectively. I like that I have the opportunity to complete my work at my own pace, fast or slow. There is definitely nothing like being in the classroom and making inside jokes, but our teachers are doing an amazing job at being available and communicating effectively,” she said.

“I had very big expectations for my last prom, and I was looking forward to spending one last night with my friends,” Allison said. She's sad for the juniors who won't get to have the fun of decorating for the prom.

Referring to Friday night's 2020 gathering at the football field, Allison said, “The recognition that the community put on for the seniors was extremely heartwarming. Throughout my high school career our community has overwhelmed my peers and I with support, but this really was something special. Ending your senior year so abruptly isn’t fun, especially when you’ve worked so hard to get to that final stretch, but it was a great reminder that it was still our time and that it mattered.”

Allison concluded, “Graduation is something I’ve had very mixed emotions about to say the least. It seemed hard to fathom that we would just get this one final celebration at a random time when we didn’t get to experience the other events that also symbolized our high school careers coming to a close. However, being able to wear my cap and gown with South Barber family is an opportunity I would never pass up. Our class has never been exactly mainstream, but we always seem to make the most of the cards we’re dealt.”