Omicron cases have spiked since Bellarmine students have returned after winter break. Bellarmine has been committed to remaining in-person, especially with finals at the end of the month. As a result, the Senior Ball was cancelled five  days before the scheduled date, Jan. 15.

Although many students expected the dance to be canceled to prevent an outbreak, some students are disappointed that so many events have been cancelled during their high school experience.

The email sent by administration mentioned no definite plans of rescheduling the Senior Ball or Homecoming that was promised in the new year. Many students hoped to finally experience a Bellarmine dance and partake in this high school tradition. Abby Bunn said, “I didn’t have a dress that fit the theme and ordered a dress for the dance. It would have been nice to have a little longer notice that the dance was cancelled.”

With such a short notice some seniors had asked dates, formed groups, and purchased formal wear. Even though this event is less popular than other dances, a survey shows that 75% of seniors planned to attend the dance and dress as the theme, Casino Royale, which would entail long dresses and formal wear. Despite the theme being voted on by the senior class, many students wished another themes would have won. Maren Jones said, “I wanted it [the theme] to be ‘Duos’ themed.”

Because of the pandemic, many memories with friends at school have been different for current high school students. Current seniors have experienced more than half of their high school experience intertwined with virtual learning, hybrid schedules, masks, Covid tests, quarantine, zoom, and endless cancellations of events, games, and club opportunities. Seniors are doubtful that they will ever attend Prom, as last year’s prom was cancelled as well. Senior Kelen Tamurian said, “I have no idea what prom will even look like. I’m just hoping that it happens because I think it will be a really fun experience.”

Despite all that students have missed, the youth have adapted to new circumstances and made the most of the experiences they are able to have. In this post-pandemic world, learning how to pivot and make the most of unfortunate situations will serve high school students well in the real world to build up future leaders.