‘The Lord is my light and my salvation’

June 20, 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!

Leigha Story, Mount Carmel Academy

I remember my last day on Mount Carmel Academy’s campus as if it were yesterday. It was a bittersweet moment, running to all of our teachers to say goodbye, hugging our friends and packing up our things from our lockers. We were upset, for sure, but we knew we would be back. It’s weird to think this day was almost two months ago, and so much has changed!

Remote learning was definitely something different. Who wouldn’t want to wake up and do her schoolwork in her pajamas?

My biggest challenge was remaining positive. It’s so hard to motivate yourself when things seem to just keep getting worse. When the quarantine was extended, it was a little sad to think about the many days of our senior year that we won’t get back – our last pep rally, prom, tennis shoe days, senior day, student council week.

But quarantine has not been all dark and gloomy. If anything, this time away from my friends, family and school has made me so appreciative of the life I have. I have amazing friends whom I cherish so much. I have an awesome family that supports me. And, most importantly, I have an amazing school that I miss so much.

It’s the little things about Mount Carmel that I will always remember. What I wouldn’t give to walk down the halls just one more time, hear one more “It’s Your Day” song, or have one more “Chicken Tender Tuesday.”

I know I will always be thankful for the many life lessons I have learned, but most importantly, the lessons I have learned about my faith. I know for the first week of remote school, I couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. I realized that while I was telling my friends and family about all my funny moments and struggles during quarantine, I forgot to tell the most important person: God!

When I was having anxious thoughts about life and the future, I needed to turn to God. One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Every fear, every doubt, every worry, I can place onto God’s hands. With God with me, what do I fear?

Although the future is uncertain, I have faith that we will live to see the day where we can go to school, have Sunday Masses, go to our favorite restaurants, and most importantly, give a big hug to our friends and family. I can’t wait for the day I receive my diploma in front of 259 of the best people I have ever met. Senior year will definitely be one I will never forget!

Thank you, Mount Carmel, for the best five years of my life!