The Class of 2020 did not get to attend all the activities that were planned due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. This year is expected to be different for the Class of 2021 due to the COVID-19 vaccine and since most places have lifted COVID-19 restrictions.
According to the Our World in Data, at least 3.72M people are fully vaccinated in the state of Massachusetts (at the time of writing). Governor Charlie Baker released a statement on April 30th, 2021, requiring people to wear masks or face coverings in public places indoors and outdoors if they are unable to maintain a six-foot separation from each other.
Massachusetts' mask mandate was lifted on May 29th, 2021. The mandate urged people who have not gotten vaccinated to continue wearing masks or face coverings in many cases. There may still be local guidelines in which vaccinated people will still be required to wear masks.
Considering that not everyone is vaccinated, the seniors’ activities have changed to “help with face coverings, low contact, social distancing,” said Ava Pizziferri, who is the class secretary. She further said that all the activities are the “traditional Malden High activities” that will take place over the course of two weeks.
According to Pizziferri, there has been a lot of behind-the-scenes work, “[they have] had to get approval from the Board of Health and many other people for these activities, and everyone has been super accommodating.” She added that for prom, “a lot of communication with small businesses [had occurred] and a lot of people really want[ed] us to have this prom.”
The senior class typically conducts fundraisers and hosts Junior Varieties to be able to pay for all of their senior year festivities. Pizziferri stated that “[they] were super lucky last year that COVID-19 hit right after [their] Junior Varieties performance.” Combined with the fact that they did not have to pay for a prom venue, being that it was held in the courtyard, they were all set for the end of their senior year.
There will be restrictions for these activities, but “[she] does not think that will affect [them] for the most part.” As long as the seniors comply with the rules, there should be no issues. Many students are ready to move on to the next chapter of their lives so hopefully, they will not be defiant and miss out on their special fun weeks planned out for them.
Despite the struggles of the end of their junior year being remote and spending the majority of their senior year online, the seniors are anticipating a fantastic and enjoyable end of the year.
