This year has been anything but normal for students at Gibson Southern. At the end of last year, the pandemic caused a quarantine in the beginning of March, leaving students with an early summer break. This year, we’ve had to balance online and in-person school, and it’s been a challenge for many. 

One thing that has been affected by COVID-19 is the ability to have any Homecomings or dances for students. Although Sweetheart and the Homecomings were canceled this year, the school has decided to allow both a prom and a Spring Homecoming. 

Prom is a special occasion for juniors and seniors to get dressed up and have a good time with friends. It’s a time for the seniors to remember their high school years, and to have one final dance. I think having Prom is especially important this year for the now-seniors. The seniors were unable to have Prom last year, so it is important to give them a night that they will remember and cherish.

Another new addition to this year is Spring Homecoming, which will be held on May 21. It will include double the court of a normal Homecoming. Because Fall and Winter Homecoming were canceled, the Student Council and senior spring athletes came to an agreement that it would be a good idea to give the same amount of people a chance to be nominated for homecoming. 

The Spring Homecoming will also include a “tailgate” party in the north parking lot with games and food.

I think having a Spring Homecoming will allow the students to have fun and to give them some hope. 

Although COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, it has started to become a part of our lives. Giving the students a Homecoming and a Prom is a way to reward them for all that they have been through and to give them a sense of normalcy.