Wood River High School Class of 2023 thrives despite COVID experience
BY Tristan Head
As we pass through phases of our lives, we often hear the subtle yet profound phrase, “season of life.” This message conveys the plethora of rotating cycles of life relying on a mere response of “Yes” when an opportunity to plant a seed arises. Too often hesitation will lead an individual down a stagnant path preventing growth, unless a catalyst arises. Often, for the masses to take notice, someone or something must impose this catalyst. The youth have consistently adopted the role of catalyst, yet adults dismiss the progress being made in preference of the familiar. The Class of 2023 should be recognized for initiating and guiding change in our community and, if the last four years are any indicator, they will continue to make a positive impact on the future.
Rewind to four years ago. COVID struck the week before spring break. These soon-to-be graduates were just about to finish their freshman year. Immediately confronted with the demise of their “normal” due to a rapidly spreading virus, which shut down the world within the span of a couple weeks. I remember sitting on my deck during the cool, wintery spring as teenagers would gather at Deerfield Park abutting their cars while striving to maintain the six-foot guidelines to engage in face-to-face conversations. These kids were at a critical age, seeking guidance and support through relationships and connection, left to muddle through complex emotions and change neurology on a screen.
The Class of 2023 embraced the challenges presented to them, even as it evolved into a plethora of variants drastically altering their entire high school experience. Sports, can’t compete outside of Blaine County. Choir, have you sung with a mask before? Orchestra, well, no trip to Disney. Your best friend, their last name is on the opposite end of the alphabet so you won’t see them in class.
A significant portion of students adopted the role of financial supporter, as parents lost their jobs and a 40-hour week at the local market was now deemed essential. This choice to support family and loved ones emphasized skills not easily taught in a classroom. These young adults learned that sharing serves the community in a selfless act conveying the versatility in their lives to become generous through the power of collaboration and respect.
When called upon to return to the classroom, a vast majority did; realizing their objective at this age was not to reap the yellow banana in front of them yet to opt for a green banana, awaiting possible opportunities developed through their pursuit of education. Comparable to other generations confronted with a life-altering experience, this group of students learned to advocate fiercely in support of their acquaintance, friend, or foe. This list includes, but is not limited to: Finn Rust, an individual who negotiated the hallways all while encouraging each person to become their own, genuine entity; Tenney Barrow, whose voice has matured into a level-headedness found in few people gracing our planet; Anay Gil-Salinas, glistening in Orange riding off into a sunrise emphasizing her resiliency to rise again; Daniel Virula, whose determination encourages anyone he comes in contact with to improve their life.
Some more confrontational than others. Some more outspoken than others. All, a student body that demands more from anyone who rejects the possibility of what a human may possess. These individuals continue to show up because they do not meet the primmed tree in a white-picket-fence yard, preferring to let each of their branches and burls portray the story of their character. The Class of 2023 identified the purpose of the COVID experience: an opportunity to propel change upon a world reluctant to alter tradition.
Come June 2023, the Wood River Valley will feel the loss of these powerful young people as their pitter-patter riddled in trepidation exits the hallways of Wood River High School to pursue a new season of life. Some will leave, some will remain rooted, others will inevitably return. All have strengthened the connectedness of this valley. Our role now, as a community, is to honor these students and to continue to encourage their unbridled voice that will undoubtedly continue to demand more to ensure all individuals receive the life they deserve. This will only be obtainable through the vast root and support system developed through genuine relationships and connections across generations.
Now is the time — the time for adults to recognize the voices whispering through the quaking aspens. The time to finally offer adequate support rather than relying on their resiliency through the collective. Responsibility lies on older generations to create opportunity, not to limit or reject the core of a person’s identity. Scoot over, get comfy, and make room for more at the grove, the leaders of today demand a spot in the conversation. Listen before they take solutions elsewhere.
Albert Camus wrote, “There is no happiness if the things we believe in are different than the things we do.” If we believe that the youth deserve an opportunity to thrive, then we need to recognize that the society we not only develop but actively maintain is not sufficient without their voice.
