ANSONIA — High school has been anything but normal for students at Ansonia High School during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that’s why their teachers decided to throw a celebration honoring the Class of 2022.
A “Senior Day” for the Class of ’22 took place on Tuesday (Feb. 22) or 2 – 22-22.
Ansonia High School teacher Karen Phipps and guidance counselor Erin Corso saw the 2 – 22-22 date gaining traction on social media, and said it would be a great date to celebrate AHS’ Class of 2022. Fellow teachers Christine Davis and Kelly Matute helped organize the event.
Le'Asia Wingate and Colette Mweze (Jean Falbo-Sosnovich Photo)
“We realized that our senior class hasn’t had a true, full normal school year since their freshman year,” said Phipps. (AHS went into remote learning after the pandemic hit in March 2020, and students returned fully back in person last fall). “The kids missed out on so much, including homecoming, the junior ring dance, sporting events, field trips and a bunch of other in-school events. We wanted to create something to give them some positive and fun memories while they’re still in high school.”
The festivities kicked off with a hearty breakfast of egg sandwiches and parfaits. The students needed to get fueled up for a day-long itinerary that included a badminton competition, basketball knock-out game, socializing in the school gym, photo booth fun and of course music inspired by the students’ own playlist.
Students were rewarded with gift cards to local restaurants and stores, free prom tickets and yearbook giveaways and other prizes, courtesy of the staff, who donated nearly $1,000 to the event. The fun concluded with a “how well do you know the senior class” trivia game.
Ansonia High School Senior Class President Colette Mweze, 17, said the day honoring her fellow seniors was a blast.
“It’s been a blessing to come back to school in person this year,” Colette said. “This is the time to share memories. To see the entire senior class all together again is a great way to end the school year. There’s very positive vibes and everyone is smiling.”
Fellow seniors, Darell McKnight, 19, and Brendan Palmer, 17, agreed.
“It’s good to have all of us together again, just having fun,” Darell said. “We missed out on a lot, and missed being with friends. We all appreciate what the staff did for us.”
One big thing the pandemic stole from Brendan was school sports, which were cancelled for several seasons. Brendan is looking forward to the return of baseball in April, and excited to get back on the pitcher’s mound. He expressed gratitude to the staff for helping make up for many missed-out events.
“I really appreciate this, it’s good for the school,” Brendan said. “When I was home, I was really missing baseball, and it would’ve been cool to have the ring dance, too. But I’m really looking forward to the prom this year.”
Superintendent of Schools Joseph DiBacco lauded the staff for staging the special day.
“It has been a long time coming,” DiBacco said. “The students deserve this day and I know the staff gets excited as well; this is an incredible day for the high school community.”
