This Global Pandemic has turned our world upside-down and our children are definitely being affected. As adults we worry about finances, illness and taking care of our families.
Today’s children and youth worry about sports, friends and their futures. So often adults worry about the big picture and forget that their children’s big picture is vastly different.
Local school districts have been creative in figuring out how to help students adjust and continue to learn while living with the reality of a pandemic, school closures and being confined to their homes.
Greencastle-Antrim High School students had a very special, memorable Junior/Senior Prom this year.
GCSD administration and senior advisors developed a prom plan to will be remembered by students, staff and the Greencastle community for years to come.
On May 2 from 7-9 p.m. Greencastle High School students participated in the 2020 Mask-Erade Porch Prom, while maintaining current social distancing guidelines.
Prom is usually a Junior-Senior affair, for those students and their guests. This prom was opened to any G-ASHS student and their families wanting to participate.
‘Unique supportive community’
“We live in such a unique, supportive community and that difference allowed us to hold our virtual prom,” said teacher Tara Clopper. ”Without the partnership with WRGG 93.7, the junior class advisors and the 2020 prom committee, the event would not have been possible.”
Other schools across the country have held virtual events, she said, but without music. Dr. Greg Hoover and WRGG made that possibility a reality.
“I’ve been contacted by a school in Southern Maine concerning a similar event,” Clopper said.
The prom was more than creating great memories for the local high school’s students. It also supported the local business community.
“We encouraged families to order take-out from local restaurants and purchase flowers from our local florists,” Clopper said. “The event was a success for everyone who participated.”
Social distancing at a special prom
A woman who wishes to stay anonymous purchased cookies to help support her neighbor celebrate the prom. She purchased these beautiful cookies from Three Melons in Virginia.
Those all-important prom pictures
Sydney Springer submitted a picture of her daughter, Sydra Royer, who is a junior at Greencastle-Antrim High School. Sydra had a fantastic time and was absolutely beautiful in her amazing gown!
Sydra Royer, Junior at GCASD
Sarah Wink and her best friend Mykaela celebrated prom together. They were both Stunning in their incredible gowns with coordinating masks. Sarah told this reporter
“I did enjoy my evening,” Sarah told this reporter. “Family members stopped by and I got all dressed up with my best friend Mykaela. My favorite part of the evening was dancing with my friend and seeing family. Prom was amazing, especially under these circumstances. I can definitely say this year won’t be forgotten, and will definitely have an impact on my future.”
Porch prom, a family affair
Adam and Gina Rowland submitted these photos and information about their family’s experience with this years porch prom.
“This is our family celebrating our son’s High School prom. His name is Patrick Rowland. He is a senior at GAHS and is heading to Duke University this fall. Our daughter Reagan, is a junior at Goretti HS in Hagerstown and agreed to participate but wanted it to be clear that they were not a date!”
I asked Reagan, “Do you feel that given the current health concerns that the district pulled off a memorable prom for the class of 2020?”
I also asked about her favorite part of the evening. “Yes (Greencastle) had a memorable prom,” she said. “I think it was awesome they were able to get businesses such as the radio station and the John Allison Pub to help out with prom. My favorite part was getting ready for the night.”
This reporters heart just broke open with happiness to hear a younger sister being so supportive of her big brother. This is how families should be every day! I would like to congratulate Patrick on his upcoming graduation and his plans to attend Duke University in the fall.
Community pulling together
The community pulled together to give these young men and women an incredible evening. Local shops were open for the students to purchase flowers and food. WRGG 93.7 provided music for all the students to dance the evening away.
Coming next: an extraordinary graduation
The next big event in the planning stages for Greencastle Antrim School District is Senior Graduation. I was invited to “check out” the end of the School board meeting last week to hear about the details. They talked about concerns with planning a graduation ceremony for seniors this year:
- Safety First
- Honor our hard working students
- Graduates’ names and future plans are celebrated
- Families are involved in the celebration
Options discussed at a meeting held on April 28 with Administrators and Junior advisors.
- Traditional Ceremony on Kaley Field with hopes restrictions are lifted before hand.
- Drive in Ceremony, following social distancing guidelines
Students and class officials agreed that would be a great option. It would include the following:
- One car per graduate with the graduates name on it.
- Hold date of June 6 at 10 a.m.
- Graduate and family remain in car.
- Focus on student and their accomplishments
- Administrators deliver diplomas as names and future plans are announced.
- Vehicles will leave in processional following the ceremony.
They would also like to have the community involved.
Community involvement
Randy with Picture Plus will take pictures. WRGG 93.7 will provide sound for the ceremony for not only graduates but the community as well. GASD will live stream the event so everyone can see it.
The processional will include cars decorated for each senior and will follow a mapped out route driving through the community. People can decorate homes, yards or signs in support of the 2020 graduating class. The parade will end at the high school.
School officials met with Manitowoc May 6. The company offered their parking lot and assistance to set up a platform for the ceremony.
On May 7 school officials brought all the tentative plans to a Town Hall Zoom meeting for approval from community leaders.
Attendance The virtual meeting were:
- Mayor Ben Thomas
- Lorraine Hohl, GA Borough
- Georgina Cranston
- Greg Hoover
- Chief John Phillippy
- Brad Gram, Antrim Township
- Cheryl Brown
- GCASD Administrators
- Senior Class Advisors
- Tara Clopper
- Laura Osilk
- Zeke Flores
School property will be dropped off by Seniors, who will pick up their senior bags on June 4 at a designated time, yet to be determined.
For the ceremony itself, the board would like to see students walk — even if it is 6 feet apart — from their cars, across a stage, back to their cars, if the social distancing is still in effect.
A reporter’s message to 2020 graduates:
I can not wait to see how the Class of 2020 will celebrate their Graduation day in this incredible community!
To all 2020 Graduating Students… Thank you for all the hard work you put in over the last 4 years and the grace and patience you are exhibiting during this crazy time. You are so incredible and I can not wait to see how far you fly!
