The coronavirus has resulted in an unprecedented situation for all nations across the world. As the virus continues to rapidly spread amongst people, multiple events and activities have been severely affected by the outbreak. Such events include the 2020 Olympics, major festivals like Coachella and Burning Man, the Wimbledon Tennis Championships and many more. It is truly heartbreaking to see the cancellations of all these popular and widely-known events. However, such measures are necessary for the safety and well-being of all individuals. Ever since the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic, the United States has also been imposing strict restrictions and has prohibited the gatherings of large groups of people.
In an effort to keep people safe, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered the closing of all New York State schools until, at the very least, May 15. As a result, all school events and programs have been canceled. Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools have been taking proactive measures to make sure their students are well-supported and aided during this difficult time, however, many students are still deeply saddened by the cancellation of varying community and local events.
Many of the clubs and programs in our school have since reached out to their group members and provided updates on any information they have. School members and students are doing their best to keep the school spirit alive and keep students eager about what their clubs have to offer. It is great knowing that everyone is still so enthusiastic and optimistic about their extra-curricular activities. It proves the strong relationships that every Bulldog has with their peers and community members.
One of the major cancelled community events includes the George W. Hewlett High School Music Department trip to Disney World. Students from all grades have been looking forward to performing at Disney World for years; students from Hewlett High School have been extremely determined and focused on raising enough money over the past few years so that they may attend this incredible trip with all their classmates and create remarkable memories to cherish forever. This event was supposed to take place right before schools were officially closed. Students who had planned to attend the trip may be extremely saddened, but there is still hope that the event will merely be postponed and that students will be able to attend the trip in the near future.
Another significant event that has been affected by the coronavirus includes Hewlett High School’s spring theater production of “Ash Girl.” After the brilliant success of the winter production of “Lend Me a Tenor,” numerous theater students were looking forward to partaking in yet another amazing play. Ever since winter break ended, students have been rehearsing for the show tirelessly. With such a large cast and production crew, and only a few weeks to rehearse, everybody was devoting all their time and efforts so that they could perform their absolute best on April 2, 3 and 4. Despite the school cancellation, the show still has yet to be officially cancelled; thespian students and their theater advisors hope that the show will be able to take place once school is resumed. In the meantime, students participating in the show are being encouraged to look over their lines whenever they can so they can potentially be up and ready to perform as soon as we get back to school..
Cabaret Night, yet another famed Hewlett-Woodmere production, has also been forced to cancel due to the coronavirus. The annual event, which features a group of students collaboratively singing, dancing and performing comedy in front of a large audience, has a particular significance to it, being dedicated to the memory of Hewlett High School students who have lost their lives to cancer. This event is also always followed by a special performance by senior members of the Cabaret Night Troupe and business staff at the pediatric wing of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Unfortunately, this amazing event was cancelled, but next year our students can make up for it with an even grander performance.
Several after-school clubs have needed to cancel certain events as well. The 2020 Mock Trial Tournament was cancelled - a very unfortunate incident considering that this was the first time in many years that the Hewlett Mock Trial Club has been winning and performing well in their competitions.
To make sure students are engaged and supported during this time, many clubs have been connecting with their club members through online sources, such as Zoom and Instagram. Hewlett Model Congress has been hosting Zoom meetings for all its club members every week, designated to help students talk about their feelings should they want to and even debate with other students to make sure they are keeping their Model Congress skills fresh and sharp. The Model Congress Board has also not let the quarantine halt their agenda, as they are already in the process of interviewing and selecting next year’s executive board.
Hewlett Art Club has also been interacting with their students during this time, posting various challenges on its Instagram page for students to try and complete. This is a great way to keep students’ spirit alive.
Other clubs and activities are also coming up with unique ways to foster a community spirit. Members of the Hewlett World Language Club in particular are working to make a “Guide to Quarantine,” which is a packet that features several diverse recipes and tasks for families to try to help them pass time while at home.
While quarantine and social distancing may be hard, Hewlett High School is making a great effort to encourage every student to feel proud of their accomplishments and motivate them to partake in whatever activity they can while still being safe. The Bulldog spirit is high and will remain high as long as Hewlett-Woodmere community members continue to support one another.