MLEC’s class of 2021 has had an unconventional senior year, one with an ongoing pandemic, loss of major senior activities, and turmoil. Dealing with these have caused many to become discouraged, but there are seniors who have made an effort to make the best of this school year.
As many events, such as Homecoming, Senior Brunch, and Prom, will not be taking place for the class of 2021, there are seniors who have taken it upon themselves to host their own or similar events in small friends groups. Senior Nicole Perez, along with some of her friends, did just that for Senior Brunch.
“For our senior brunch [my friends and I] went to Denny’s. I know it wasn’t Pelicans or anything like that but we just dressed up very nice, went to school, then went to Denny’s after school. It was a little sad because we could only do this in a small group, but it still felt nice to do something for our senior year,” said Nicole Perez, MLEC’s current SGA president.
In addition, seniors who are attending school in person this year used the Senior Spirit Week, which was initially targeted towards students online, as another opportunity to make the best of their situation and enjoy the time they have left in the school year.
“Our school [MLEC] did a senior spirit week focused on the students online, but the physical students made a way to also have a spirit week and dress up in person. We chose certain days to dress out. The best day was the ‘Senior Blackout.’ We wore all black, from head to toe, and we wore our senior crow,” said senior Gabriela Foneseca from the EMR strand.
“It was a happy moment in such a negative time,” she added.
Even though there wasn’t an abundance of events hosted by the school, other seniors have made efforts to plan different outings with their close friends, from outdoor picnics to laser tag.
“We all knew that we weren’t going to have activities so we’re just trying to find other ways to make our senior year good, whether it’s going out with friends or focusing on our futures. I try to hang out with my friends and do new things like laser tag or mini golfing,” said Catherine Mena, senior from the Dental Assistant strand.
In lieu of usual traditions and senior events, Catherine and one of her best friends have started traditions of their own. This has allowed them to create opportunities in which they can celebrate and find joy in spending time with one another.
“Emily and I have been doing this thing where every Friday we bring cupcakes to school and celebrate something. Last week we celebrated passing our certification test,” added Mena.
Fortunately, there will be one event that seniors will be able to celebrate with one another: graduation. Graduation, which will be taking place on June 2nd, will allow the class of 2021 to reunite one last time and celebrate together.
“I’m glad that I’ll be able to be in the same room as everyone in my class one last time. It’s actually the first time this year and the last time as well,” said Nicole Perez.
