Governor Cooper signed an executive order closing N.C. schools until May 15, which impacted all the students of North Carolina. A group hardest hit by this are the 2020 graduates who have had their senior year interrupted by COVID-19. The education leaders of area schools are reaching out to share the messages of encouragement to local seniors.

“To our seniors who have been doing so well in this, their final year of high school, I encourage you to understand that all the events of this worldwide crisis are beyond your control and should not impact your potential for completing high school successfully and on time.” Brent Williams, the superintendent of Lenoir County Public Schools, said in a statement.

He assured the seniors that the school system would do everything in its power to make sure that the rest of their senior year is positive and successful.

“Together, we will get through this crisis and overcome all obstacles ahead as we strive to do all that we can for the young people that we are so richly blessed to serve,” said Williams.

As with Lenoir County, Greene County seniors are also impacted by school closures. Patrick Miller, the Superintendent of Greene County Schools, also released a statement.

“I’m sorry for all you’ve lost in your final months with us. The prom, spring sports, Awards Day - the list goes on and on. More importantly, I’m sorry you’ve been separated from your classmates and your teachers. I’m sorry for everything you’ve lost in what should have been the culminating weeks of your Greene County Schools experience. We grieve along with you,” said Miller.

The loss of sports and other local area events the schools put on has caused a void in the daily life of our seniors. From the social aspect of hanging out with their friends to the college recruiting options.

“Things aren’t ideal and, quite honestly, it’s not fair, but unfortunately, you’ve just been handed the ultimate ‘life’s not fair’ lesson. You are in the middle of a once in a lifetime event (hopefully). There is a new normal, at least for a while. If I could change it, I would,” said Dr. Bert Bright of Arendell Parrott Academy.

COVID-19 has disrupted daily life for everyone across the globe. The challenge many seniors face is finishing out the 2020 year with an uncertainty of how they will finish out the year to graduate. Another area school that reached out directly to their seniors is the Bethel Christian Academy (BCA).

“BCA will follow the Governor’s Executive Orders and do online instruction through May 15th, unless his executive orders change,” said BCA Principal Doug Phillips. “Therefore you (Seniors) will not be back in the classroom this year. Saying that brings tears to my eyes. I miss all of you already. I always thought we would come back to school before you graduated..... Here lies a great lesson: cherish each day and each experience with your family and friends. You never know when it could be the last time to be together in that setting with those same people.”

With the updates of the virus rampant in both the news coverage and the number of people infected, the fear of what will happen has changed to how long it will happen. The local area seniors are starting their journey into adulthood under the cloud of a pandemic but with the solid support of their educators.