The final weeks of senior year are supposed to be some of the best times of a student’s high school career. While the past few weeks have certainly been memorable, they haven’t been so in the way anyone expected. Due to the pandemic, this senior class will not experience the send off that has become tradition at TAHS.

Events like baccalaureate and Senior Excellence Night were moved from the school auditorium to whatever room in your house you are in while watching it on your laptop or smartphone.

Baccalaureate took place on Sunday, May 17th via Zoom. Baccalaureate is a service for the seniors hosted by local religious leaders to show the importance of taking these next steps after high school with God in your life. The service is not sponsored by the school, nor is it mandatory. However, a lot of seniors decided to attend.

“Even though we couldn’t meet together in person, I think that the baccalaureate service went well and had a great turnout,” said senior class Vice President Tyler Beckwith.

Like baccalaureate, planning for the annual Senior Decision Day also didn’t stop when the school closed its doors.

TAHS Career Counselor Sara White and a group of students planned an alternative celebration for the seniors. Decision Day usually consists of college workshops, games, and a school-wide assembly with prizes for seniors. Seniors wear their college shirts to school and participate in an array of activities with college and career based themes.

Ms. White worked hard to make this experience fun and memorable for the seniors who attended via Zoom on the Eagle Eye Facebook page.

“It’s nice that we’ve found a way to still have it. It’s become an enjoyable, annual celebration for seniors and I’m glad we’re still able to do it despite the circumstances,” said senior class officer Dan Parker.

To watch the Decision Day program, click here.

With all of the disappointments that the senior class has faced so far, many are still hoping for a senior prom and some kind of an in-person graduation.

While most schools in the area have already cancelled their proms, the only aspect of Tyrone’s prom that has changed so far is the date. Tyrone students are hopeful that this will be the only change.

Of course, there are unique challenges that go along with prom, like will the venue be open and will social distancing guidelines allow that many people in one place?

“The prom committee has worked hard planning the theme and I hope everyone will still come even though it’s later and that we’ll all be able to have a great time,” said prom committee member Reagan Wood.

Most Tyrone students, especially the seniors, are thankful that the TAHS administration and staff members are working hard to keep these end of the year activities alive.

“I’m grateful that Mr. Yoder took the time to reschedule our activities like prom and graduation instead of just canceling them,” said Wood.

The school has also not given up on its plan to hold an in-person graduation, and they have released three possible dates and scenarios.

The first is on Friday, June 26th at Gray Veterans Memorial Field. The other is Friday, July 17th at the same time and place.

If social distancing in social gathering guidelines do not allow for a June or July ceremony at Gray Field, a drive-thru ceremony with processional parade will be held in downtown Tyrone.

Overall, the senior class is grateful for the hard work of the TAHS administration and staff to make the end of their senior year memorable.