by Claire Burnett Current Features Editor
River Hill High School held a senior event for all seniors and their parents or guardians in the football stadium on May 11th. Due to COVID-19, the Class of 2021 had far from a normal senior year. The majority of their senior year was virtual, most events like prom were cancelled, and seniors were unable to be with their friends for the year before graduation. However, the school decided that they would make their first in-person celebration a night for seniors to be recognized for their hard work throughout high school.
The night consisted of announcing class awards in addition to other activities like cornhole and Spikeball. COVID-19 restrictions were also taken into consideration, with all of the seniors being seated in socially distanced chairs on the track and parents and guardians spread throughout the bleachers. For students, family members, and members of the community who could not attend, the awards were live streamed on Facebook to enjoy the event remotely.
The night began with a few speakers delivering speeches reflecting on their high school career, senior year, among other things. The keynote speaker at the event encouraged the audience to live their lives spontaneously and randomly rather than stressing over having a set plan for the future. Various presenters then announced the senior class awards. Many awards were given to students and some students were given scholarships for their accomplishments in high school.
Some of the awards were given for outstanding participation in a class subject like science or math and some were given for the completion of a career academy or participation in an honors society. All members of the honors societies and career academies were recognized, but for other awards only a few people won.