Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a year since anyone at Hobart High School (HHS) has experienced the fourth quarter, and HHS made this ending to the last semester count. With a tough year due to the pandemic’s restriction, HHS did its best to ensure an exciting school year.
Summer 2020
In the summer parents declared whether their student would participate in e-learning or return to school. To coincide with the state mandates, only half of the students could return to the building. Luckily, during the first round of decisions, enough students participated in e-learning that nobody was turned away for a spot within the classroom.
Fall 2020
The year started with confusion and masked friends. Students walked into the cafeteria to see the tables moved out, and classroom desks placed in the space, six feet apart. It was difficult to get used to, but after the first quarter, it was the new normal.
Despite the rocky start, students began to grow comfortable again within the school walls which had not been occupied in months. Sports were starting their official seasons, where one's family could come and watch. Old and new clubs were beginning their call-out meetings. Additionally, students were able to go to football games, which happened to go all the way to the end, the state finals.
All in all, even with the COVID-19 restrictions, the beginning of the school year went incredibly smoothly especially considering the circumstances.
Winter 2020-2021
Many looked forward to winter break, but that’s the theme of every school year. There was a little winter solstice resulting in e-learning for all and a few quarantines but overall the winter months went without interruption at HHS. While there was no winter formal like years prior, many other opportunities were provided to the students.
All sporting events were allowed to continue, and the same with all HHS clubs. Within the clubs, there were many food drives and service opportunities for the students. Also, to keep spirit levels high, many spirit weeks were put together by HHS students.
Spring 2021
The last leg of the school year was incredible. It was deserved by the 2021 seniors to have an amazing ending to their high school experience. During the last term, there were several things put on for the students at HHS.
To begin, to honor the leadership within HHS during national student leadership week, members of National Honor Society put together a Student Leadership Breakfast. There were many speakers including teachers and administrators who shared their utmost gratitude for the students within the hall for their leadership within the school. Also, they spoke on how to improve their leadership skills. It was overall a very fulfilling experience for everyone.
Considering the circumstances of the year, the idea of holding a prom was undetermined. This left many students feeling defeated due to prom being a staple within high school. However, this frustration was soon over as HHS held its Red Carpet Affair!
National Honor Society hosted the event, and the night started with a modified grand march, which was led through the main gym on a red carpet. To coincide with the COVID-19 restrictions, dates went one by one down the red carpet where photographers took their pictures.
After the grand march, dancing was held in the field house where students could also take pictures at the photo booth. Dinner was served in the great hall, and students had to sign up for dinner time to ensure social distancing was maintained.
The HHS Class of 2021 will go down in history for its undeniable hard work and dedication. They have had many curveballs throughout high school, but they made it. Graduation was on a sunny, beautiful day where everyone was recognized for their accomplishments. Congrats, Class of 2021!
On the extracurricular side, there were many precautions taken during the athletic season, and clubs followed the same COVID-19 guidelines as the classroom. All HHS sports teams did phenomenally well, especially considering the unexpected circumstances. Special recognition to all spring sports as they were out of the season for a year and still represented the Brickies in an honorable way. The seasons ended with many broken records, and one team and seven individual state qualifiers, the Brickies could not be prouder.
Summer 2021
This summer is a great lead-up to the upcoming school year. For rising seniors, Brickie Bootcamp is an opportunity where students can participate in understanding the process of college thoroughly. During this Bootcamp, teachers, and administrators go over the financial aspects, the application process, scholarships, and most importantly, the essays to get in. It is a great way to get into the mindset of applying to college.
Additionally, sports seasons are starting their summer practices. To participate, one needs to complete physical and final forms. Students and staff cannot wait to watch from the sidelines this season and support their favorite Brickie athletes.
These are only a few gold lining events that have happened within Hobart High School this past year. There are many amazing accomplishments and events that have materialized within the walls of HHS. It is all thanks to the past and present students of the high school.