With the suspension of the school year by Governor Brian Kemp on Wednesday, April 1, many students were faced with the reality that they would not be able to finish out their senior year as planned.

  Henry County Schools have been closed since Monday, March 16 due to COVID-19, but many held onto the hope that schools might reopen in time for special events like prom, award ceremonies, and graduation. However, with this declaration, parents and students both came to the realization that the school year would not end as they’d originally hoped. 

  In a letter sent to students and parents from the Henry County Schools superintendent, Mary Elizabeth Davis, on April 2, she expressed understanding for their situation. 

  “I know that we cannot replicate with exactness what classes before you have experienced,” said Davis. “But that does not mean we will not celebrate, honor, and find alternative ways to fulfill the many cherished senior moments you and your family have so highly anticipated.” 

  According to the letter sent out by Davis, Henry County Schools is looking to reschedule special events for county seniors.

  “We are currently working to reschedule dates for graduation, prom, awards ceremonies, and other school-specific senior traditions,” said Davis.

  Despite the assurances from school officials, seniors are working to make the most of the time they have left, making memories and preparing for college in the fall.

  Jeremy Suber, senior at Locust Grove High School, has already taken the steps to ensure that despite the circumstances, his senior year will be memorable. 

  “We got his regular cap and gown, brought creative props and took senior pictures that will be something to look back on,” said Cate Suber, mother of Jeremy. “I never imagined my own son’s shoot would be weighed down with this pandemic.”

  As for the theme of the photoshoot, Jeremy understands the reality of the coronavirus, but was taught by his mother to always add a bit of humor to any situation.

  “This is a bad situation but there is no reason to not put a little humor in it,” said Jeremy. “But I am sad about not being able to see my friends and people I’ve grown up with. I’m just looking to the future now.”

  Jeremy plans to attend Kennesaw State University in the fall to major in international business or accounting. 

  Domonic Macias, senior at Union Grove High School, was on track to break multiple Union Grove High School records before his high school track season was cut short. With the suspension of the school year, Macias will no longer have the chance to make a new school record. 

  “I was predicted to break three of our school records, the 800 meter record, 1600 meter record, and 3200 meter record, and I was on pace for it by the end of the season,” said Macias. “It would have been nice to break three records, but it’s better in the long run to focus on college.”

  Despite not getting the chance to end his high school career as he’d originally hoped, he looks forward to running on a college scholarship in the fall.

  “I am glad I got to run a few races to end out my high school career. I wish there was a bit more but right now, I have to focus on finishing my high school classes and getting ready for college,” said Macias. “I am keeping positive. Even though my high school year did not end like I wanted, I get to run in college.”

  Macias is set to attend American University in Washington D.C. on an athletic scholarship for XC/Track. He plans to major in zoology and minor in business. 

  Davis ended her letter to the Henry County School seniors by offering words of positivity and hope for their futures.

  “You were meant to be the Class of 2020. You are destined to create some of the greatest acts of goodness, kindness, and impact we will ever know,” said Davis. “When the timing of it all feels imperfect, remember you are right where you are supposed to be at just the right time.”