BOISE, Idaho — There are two significant milestones most high school seniors look forward to: prom and graduation. However, the COVID-19 outbreak means many schools across the country--and here in Idaho--are having to cancel events.
With so much uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, schools around the world have immediately transitioned their students to online learning for the foreseeable future. That includes schools across the Gem State as they move to a "soft closure."
Among the schools canceling events out of caution, Centennial High School recently canceled its prom. CHS senior and Miss Idaho Teen USA Sabrina Ripley says she's still hoping for an event sometime this year.
“I think they’re still planning on at least doing something for us seniors, but that’s kinda up in the air,” said Ripley.
Ripley was especially disappointed by the news there would not be a traditional prom night this year.
“I was really excited about that because I got asked the day before it got canceled,” said Ripley.
Ripley says she's understands the importance of canceling events, even the milestones like prom and graduation. The 18-year-old's mother is a nurse, and her father is immunosuppressed.
“I’m trying to be patient and not really think about myself in this situation but thinking about everyone else,” Ripley explained.
While she may be upset by the things she can’t do, she's focusing on the things she can do. Ripley plans to head to an out-of-state college this fall, so for now, she's getting to enjoy spending plenty of time with her family.
On the bright side, seniors within West Ada School District who were on track to graduate before the outbreak will still be able to do so, and all students within the district will start online school on April 13.
