These are the faces of three girls who were looking forward to this part of their senior year. These faces are thrilled to death that they worked so hard and made it through. They’ve been volleyball players since the age of 7. They’ve missed school dances, trips, parties, homecomings and proms. This was their year!

They were finally going to make it to their senior prom. They had spring break plans and were looking forward to yearbook signing, cap and gown pick up, their senior picnic and, of course, graduation. Kendall said to me last night, through tears: “I don’t even remember my last day of school. I’m supposed to know what I was wearing and every teacher, coach, and friend I said goodbye to.”

My heart is breaking for these seniors.

After hearing the news yesterday that school is canceled for the rest of the year, I can’t help but reflect on my senior year. I can’t even imagine not having that. We all remember this special time in our lives, and these kids won’t have that. No doubt this will make them stronger later in life. Their drive, focus and perseverance will make them better people in the long run. It’s very hard to explain that to them now. They just want what we all had and those after them will surely have.

As a mom, I will do whatever I can to make this summer the best! We will celebrate these kids and try to give them what they deserve. As a teacher, I struggle with not being able to have said goodbye to my own students. I miss them very much and know the end of our year would have been filled with lessons, activities and skill instruction, but lots of laughter and fun as well. To them, I say we will continue our online learning and I look forward to seeing them next year. To my daughter and the rest of the senior class, I say, this too shall pass. Hold your head high and know that this will help make you the smart, strong, talented leaders you were born to be.

To these 3 beautiful girls....we know you’re going to do some incredible things at UVA, Georgia State and Marist. We can’t wait to watch you grow in to the wonderful women you will become. We love you.

#classof2020 #waltonraiders