God revealed to me importance of family

Soaring above a global crisis

The world changed in March – and one group uniquely affected was the high school graduating Class of 2020. In a moment’s notice, it seemed, Catholic high schools closed their physical campuses as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus, sending thousands of students home to begin online classes.

For the seniors of the 22 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the final two months of their high school lives were turned upside down. But the amazing thing is how God worked quietly through this crisis. Over the next several pages, see how the Quarantine Class of 2020 used the support of their parents, teachers and faith to shine despite difficult circumstances. The Clarion Herald asked seniors to reflect on how they used their time of quarantine and handled the challenges of a global pandemic during one of the milestone moments of their lives.

Get ready to be inspired!

Mallory Hines, Academy of Our Lady

After many years of hard work, the last few weeks of high school were finally right around the corner. The end-of-the-year senior events that I had anticipated for so long were finally mine to experience along with fellow classmates who had become family in the years I had spent at the Academy of Our Lady.

However, a virus that no one could have expected arrived to take away the Class of 2020’s final high school moments.

In the first few moments of realization that school would transition to an online format, I was simply in denial. In my mind, it was extremely difficult to believe the possibility that I would not return to my beloved school as a student ever again.

Distance learning began faster than I could have imagined. Distance learning through online video chatting was surprisingly easy to adjust to. The staff, teachers and administrators of Academy of Our Lady allowed a seamless transition by creating a simple schedule, assigning clear classwork and homework, and constantly remaining a positive and encouraging presence through the crisis.

The biggest challenge throughout the transition was accepting change and making sure I took every assignment just as seriously as I would have if I were physically in the classroom. I had to remind myself, every day, that simply because I did not have to wear a uniform or be at school, I was still finishing my last days of high school, which I had to finish strong. I could not give up now!

Aside from the adjustment to distance learning, I struggled with the loss of my final moments of senior year that I had looked forward to since my first days at AOL. I felt so much sadness, feeling as if the best part of my high school experience had been taken away. Despite sadness and confusion that I had been feeling, my faith in God’s plan helped me accept the changes happening in my life. Through reading my Bible, completing daily devotionals and listening to prayer and “good” thoughts of the day sent by our principal, Salesian Sister Michelle Geiger, my faith was strengthened because of the crisis. That allowed me to trust fully in God’s plan.

Throughout the experience, especially as a senior during my final moments of high school, I have learned to accept changes as they come and remain positive. I believe this experience has allowed me to grow. I have become stronger, positive, resilient and ready to take on any challenge the world may throw at me outside of high school.

The Class of 2020 will never be forgotten as we take on the world with immense strength and endless possibilities.