Thoughts from the Decision-Makers

Principal Heather McKay is struggling to balance safety with fun. “I know I have the responsibility to keep everybody safe,” said McKay. She sympathizes with the senior class’s outrage towards the removal of these traditional events, but also hopes for them to understand the situation and try “to make it the absolute best that we can for ourselves and for each other.” She also understands that most of the frustration stems from the uncontrollable aspect of these cancellations and alterations. McKay said, “Every situation that we encounter we can make it as good or as bad as we want. The attitude we take to it determines the outcome of it.”  

Steve Barber, the superintendent for Atlantic High School, shares a similar outlook as McKay. Barber believes that safety for faculty and students is a top priority and triumphs over other aspects.  He thinks that COVID-19 has “forced us to make decisions that we really didn’t want to make” but “we need to do those adjustments in order to achieve that goal (safety).”  Barber said, “I feel for the seniors and I understand their frustrations and disappointment.” Still, he thinks that seniors should be more open-minded about the situation. Barber said that in the end, the need for safety “trumps a lot of our wishes and things we want to do.”

Student Council president Craig Becker has been flooded with emails and calls that persist even after school hours, in order to try and sort everything out in time for the events.  “No matter what happens I just hope that people stay thankful for what we do have,” said Becker.  He understands student’s frustrations at the out of control events. “I know that doesn’t make it any better, but it’s not like we are trying to downsize Homecoming by any means. We’re trying to still make it the best that we can. Because we’re all students too, and we’re working with faculty that cares about students.” Still, Becker hopes for others to see the bigger picture. He said, “It’s how you spend time with others that really makes it enjoyable.”