I lost loved ones, but God pulled me through

June 4, 2020

Soaring above a global crisis

The world changed in March – and one group uniquely affected was the high school graduating Class of 2020. In a moment’s notice, it seemed, Catholic high schools closed their physical campuses as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus, sending thousands of students home to begin online classes.

For the seniors of the 22 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the final two months of their high school lives were turned upside down. But the amazing thing is how God worked quietly through this crisis. Over the next several pages, see how the Quarantine Class of 2020 used the support of their parents, teachers and faith to shine despite difficult circumstances. The Clarion Herald asked seniors to reflect on how they used their time of quarantine and handled the challenges of a global pandemic during one of the milestone moments of their lives.

Get ready to be inspired!

Leah Boucree, St. Katharine Drexel Prep

Being the 36th Prep graduate in my family, finishing from St. Katharine Drexel Prep was very important to me in order to continue a family legacy, which dates back to 1940.

The unexpected changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic affected my outlook on senior year greatly. The day we were sent home, I never would have thought that would be my final day physically in school, learning with the rest of the seniors in my class. In an instant, things changed, and doing everything virtually became the new norm.

It took me awhile to come to terms with these changes and to get used to consistently learning online. Finding the motivation and mental strength to finish my school work and not slack off whatsoever has been my greatest challenge during this pandemic.

In the midst of this adjustment, multiple family members took sick – even resulting in the loss of my grandmother, aunt and cousin.

Along with grieving death, the thought of not being able to return to school and make memories with my Prep sisters and not being able to experience the traditional senior events that we had looked forward to since our first days at Prep became another grief.

I grieved the time loss, events missed out on and memories I could never get back.

This pandemic was a major test of my faith; it was up to me to give in and trust in God or give in and sulk, losing my faith. My faith allowed me to realize that everything was happening for a reason. This was all part of a bigger plan God has for us, even though we may not realize it yet.

My faith gave me the strength I needed to push through the temptation of giving up and to finish strong. This pandemic has taught me a lesson of strength and perseverance. I could have easily given up all thoughts of high school and decided not to do any work, but I didn’t. I was able to fight through the negative energy and from there I was able to focus on the blessings I’ve received despite all that has happened.

I’ve learned that because of my faith in God and the strength he continuously gives me, I can overcome obstacles in the future.

I remain optimistic about the future. Although things I’ve looked forward to may not happen how I expected them to, they still will be realized; and, because of that, I remain positive.

The most important thing for me and any other senior during this unprecedented time is to keep looking forward. This pandemic is another roadblock we must overcome to realize our victory. I look forward to attending Louisiana State University in the fall, being present on campus as a freshman, and ultimately to attaining a degree in kinesiology.